Tissa was an important person in the village of Uthuru Karawita (North Karawita) in Malwatte (Malwathu) area in the old Ruunu Rata (modern Dhigavapi, Ampara). He had eight sons, the youngest of whom was named Sona by his parents. According to the great Sinhala chronicle, the Mahavamsa, this child was known as Kuda Sona (Little Sona).
From the time he was a toddler Kuda Sona showed unusual strength and by the age of seven he could easily uproot palm trees which were at his height. At ten years he was uprooting enormous palm trees.
When he was about 16 years Kuda Sona was uprooting gigantic cocnut or palm trees and striding along carrying these massive trees on his shoulder. It is said that Sona’s strength equalled that of ten elephants.
Seeing Kuda Sona’s mighty deeds the villagers changed his name to Mahasona (Great Sona ) and called him by this name.
As a young man Mahasona was both strong and handsome. Many writings record that Mahasona’s strength was equal to the strength of 10 elephants.
King Kavantissa heard about this giant’s mighty deeds and summoned him to the Royal Palace. The King gave land and other gifts to Mahasona and his parents.
Mahasona was also given a big house on Magual Maha Veediya in the Kingdom of Ruhuna and many servants too.
King Kavantissa issued a public declaration stating that Mahasona was a warrior giant essential for the peace and security of the country and ordered Mahasona to stay close to Prince Dutugemunu.
In the great Gemunu Elara Battle Mahasona fought bravely and fiercely, while staying close to King Dutugemunu.
He broke an extremely tall iron wall and entered the city. He attacked the enemy soldiers with a massive tree he had uprooted himself.
He rained blow upon blow on the enemy and helped King Dutugemunu to become victorious. This is recorded in the Mahavamsa and other ancient books.
After helping King Dutugemunu to conquer Wijithapura, Mahasona valiantly fought with the King to win Giri Nuwara and Magalpura.
Overall, Mahasona played a major role in King Dutugemunu’s battles to unify the country.