King Vijaya (B.C.

543-504) and
his successors
(Source: A SHORT HISTORY OF LANKA by Humphry William Codrington)
The traditional first king of Lanka is Vijaya. His grandmother, Suppadevi, according
to the legend was the daughter of the king of Vanga (Bengal) by a princess of
Kalinga (Orissa). She ran away from home and in the country of Lala or Lada, the
modern Gujarat, mated with a lion (sinha); hence the names of her children and
ultimately that of Sinhala, the designation of Lanka and of the Sinhala. At the age of
sixteen her son Sinhabahu carried off his mother and his twin sister to the haunts of
men; the lion in his search for his family ravaged the country, and for the sake of the
reward offered by the king of Vanga was slain by his own son. The king dying at the
time, Sinhabahu was elected as his successor, but abandoned Vanga and built the
city of Sinhapura in his native country Lada. His son Prince Vijaya and his boon
companions committed such outrages in his father's capital that the king was
compelled by popular clamour to drive them forth.
They set sail and, touching at Supparaka, a famous port on the west coast of India
(Sopara, north of Bombay), ultimately arrived at Tambapanni. Vijaya is made to land
at Tambapanni on the very day of Buddha's death. Here they found the country
inhabited by Yakkhas or demons, and one of them Kuveni, entrapped Vijaya's
followers, but was compelled by the prince to release them. She then became
Vijaya's mistress, and assisted him to exterminate her fellow-demons, whose chief
seats are given as Sirivatthu and Lankapura. These were identified later with the hills
Loggala and Laggala, though it is clear from the narrative that Sirivatthu was quite
close to Vijaya's landing place, as he heard the noise of the wedding festivities, of
which he took advantage to attack the Yakkhas. Vijaya now settled at Tambapanni, a
port on the south of the river, perhaps the Malwatu Oya, and his followers formed
various villages in the neighbouring country: these were Anuradhapura on the banks
of the Malwatu Oya; Upatissa, seven or eight miles further north; Uruvela, a seaport
to the west of Anuradhapura, perhaps at Marichchikatti; Ujjeni and Vijita. His
followers now wished Vijaya to assume the crown, and dispatched an embassy in
search of a queen to the Pandyan king at Madura. The princess and her retinue
landed at Mahatittha (Mantota); she espoused Vijaya and her women his
companions, while the discarded Kuveni with her two children wandered to
Lankapura, and was slain by her enraged kinsfolk. The children fled to Adam's Peak
and became the ancestors of the Pulindas (hill-men or Veddas).
Shortly before his death, Vijaya, who was without an heir, sent a letter to Sinhapura,
asking that his brother Sumitta should be sent to succeed him. Sumitta, however,
was now king in his father's place, and dispatched his youngest son, Panduvasa,
who in due course arrived in Lanka and reigned at Vijitapura.
A late legend tells how the perjury of which Vijaya had been guilty in repudiating
Kuveni was visited on his nephew, and how the god Sakra, to whom Lanka had been
entrusted by Buddha, obtained his cure. Isvara instructed by Sakra called upon
Rahu, who, turning himself into a boar, ravaged the garden of Mala Raja. The last
named summoned his men to surround the garden and beat the jungle; but the boar
escaped, and, pursued by Mala Raja, leaped into the sea at Tuticorin, and swam, still
pursued, across to Uratota (`Boar landing-place,' or Kayts) in Lanka. When Rahu had
enticed Mala Raja into the heart of the country he disappeared, leaving in his place a
rock at which Mala Raja stood gazing in wonderment. Sakra now appeared and bade
him cure the king, which he did.
Panduvasa married the daughter (Buddhakachchana) of the Sakya Pandu, the first
cousin of Buddha, who was followed to Lanka by her brothers. To them also is
attributed the foundation of Anuradhapura, Uruvela Vijitapura, as well as of Dighayu
and Rohana, identified later with Magama in Hambantota District.
Panduvasa was succeeded by his son Abhaya, and he in turn after an interregnum
of seventeen years by his nephew Pandukabhaya, who made Anuradhapura his
capital. Here he constructed the Abhaya tank, now called Basavakkulam, and also
established two Yakkha princes, one of whom sat on a throne of equal eminence with
the king's. From this it is clear that the Yakkha or aboriginal population was not
treated as a conquered race. Vijaya's followers espoused Pandyan women, and it
seems probable that in course of time their descendants married with the people of
the country, on whom they imposed their Aryan language. Further dilution of the
original Aryan blood undoubtedly has taken place in later ages, with the result that,
though the Sinhala language is of North Indian origin, the social system is that of the
south. In the twelfth year of his reign Pandukabhaya `fixed the boundaries of the
villages in all parts of Lanka.' He was succeeded by his son Mutasiva (276-50 BC).













Ummadha Citta & King
Pandukabhaya

Prince Panduvasudeva and Princess Buddhakachchana (daughter of a King named
Panda, from an ancient Royal family, a cousin of the Buddha) were married and duly
consecrated as the second King and Queen of Lanka.

The King had ten sons, the eldest named Abhaya, and one daughter names
Ummadha Citta.

A court Brahimn (learned astrologer) predicted that the son who will be born to
Princess Citta will destroy his uncles. The sons of King Panduvasudeva held a
meeting led by the second son Tissa and planned to kill their sister, Princess Citta.
The eldest son, Abhaya, did not approve of such an extreme and cruel action, and
with the consent of his father, the King, ordered her to be placed in solitary
confinement. She was placed in a chamber adjoining the Kings own private chamber
and the Queens personal maid, Cetiya, was entrusted with the task of taking care of
the infant princess.

As the years went by Princess Citta grew into a beautiful woman. Shortly after her
sixteenth year she was looking down at the garden from her chamber window and
saw her brother Prince Tissa talking to a stranger under a tree. She asked Cetiya,
her maid, who this man was and was told that he was Prince Dighagamini, the ruler
of a neighboring state. The princess expressed her desire to meet this Prince and the
maid Cetiya arranged this and a meeting took place between them. Soon, it was
discovered by Citta and Princess Cetiya that the Princess was pregnant. Princess
Citta confided this situation to her brother Prince Abhaya and he then learned that
the person responsible was his own cousin Prince Dhigagamini.

Abhaya told his father the story and persuaded him to marry the princess to Prince
Dhigagamini. The King agreed. Abhaya next told his brothers who were all furious
with anger. Tissa proclaimed that if Cittas child was a boy he would kill him
immediately. Citta, in her attempt to protect her child should he be a boy, planned to
substitute a female newborn child in the place of hers if her child was a boy which
was the case. Her new born son was smuggled out of the palace and a new born
female child was substituted in his place. Her mother the Queen and the maidservant
Cetiya, both, agreed to help in this caper. The newborn son was spirited away into
the safe and secluded territory of the Ruhuna (south of the Island). A female
newborn child was substituted in his place by the side of Citta. The King was
overjoyed at the birth of his granddaughter and named her Canna, after her
grandmother.

The boy, now growing up in distant Ruhuna, was named Pandukabhaya, a
combination of the names of Cittas father, Panduvasudeva, and her eldest brother
Abhaya, who had been her lifelong friend and savior.

Princess Ummada Cittas cunning plan to conceal her son from her wicked brothers
did not remain a closed secret for very long. They tried hard to seek him and kill him
but failed. King Abhaya was accused by his brothers for having connived and helped
their sister protect her son Pandukabhaya. Thus he was deposed and the second son,
Prince Tissa, was given the throne.

Second son of King Panduvasudeva, younger brother of King Abhaya He was
appointed the regent by his eight younger brothers after the deposition of the oldest
brother, King Abhaya, from the throne. Tissa claimed that he would be consecrated
king only after he had finally defeated his nephew Pandukhabaya. This, however,
was not to be as Pandukabhaya swept on triumphantly. Tissa was slain in battle
along with all his eight younger brothers. Abhaya was spared. Pandukabhaya, the
undisputed victor, called upon his uncle Abhaya to take up the throne again. Abhaya
declined.

Grandson of King Panduvasudeva, Son of Princess Umaddha Citta, Nephew of King
Abhaya and Prince Tissa Umaddha Citta had entrusted the education of her son,
Pandukabhaya, to a Brahmin by the name of Pandula. This Brahmin made his own
son, Canda, the fellow student of the Prince and the two became good friends.
Pandukabhaya married a beautiful princess named Swarnapali (Pali), daughter of
Girikandasiva, an uncle of his who was governing the territory of Girikandaka. They
were consecrated King and Queen of Lanka. Pandukabhaya founded the city of
Anuradhapura and the seat of government was moved to the new city. He appointed
his friend, Canda (son of his Brahin teacher), to the office of Adigar (Minister). He
also appointed his uncle Abhaya, Mayor of the city. To his father-in-law Girikandasiva
he restored the city of Girikandaka. He devoted much of his time to the adornment
and civil government of the new capital city of Anuradhapura. Agriculture too
received his due share of attention. He constructed the Jaya Wewa and Gamini
Wewa. Magnificent was the tolerance and encouragement of all religious systems
during this period of Lankas history. He also built a special palace for his mother,
Umaddha Citta, at Anuradhapura. He died after having reigned for seventy years.





















King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC)

[Contemporaries: Meander (Milinda) - Indo-Greek Ruler, Sunga Dynasty - India, Maccabean Rulers - Palestine,
Tiberius & Caius Gracchus - Rome, Marius -Rome, Cato - Rome]

In the 2nd century BC, a king by the name of Devanampiyatissa reigned over the west of the
island from his capital at Kelaniya. Devanampiyatissa suspected a monk of being involved in
an intrigue between the Queen and his brother. When the king had this monk put to death in a
cauldron of boiling oil, both his ministers and subjects were horrified. Furthermore, the gods
were annoyed and caused the ocean to flood the land.

Overcome with remorse, the king decided to atone for his sacrilegious act by making a
sacrifice that would impress on his people the sincerity of his repentance as well as appease
the gods. Accordingly he built a boat of gold, provisioned it with enough supplies for one
person for one month - and placed in it his eldest daughter. The boat was then cast adrift,
with an inscription to inform anyone who should come across it that aboard was a princess.

Days later a lone fisherman spotted the strange looking craft as it drifted off Dovera, near
Kirinda. Drawing closer he read the inscription and carried the news to the King of this
southern region, Kavantissa, who resided nearby. The princess was rescued, brought before
the king, and given a warm welcome. Eventually Kavantissa married her and named her
Viharamahadevi. She bore him two sons who were to become national heroes. The eldest,
Gemunu, became King Duthugemunu (161 - 137BC), who united the Sinhalese for the first
time after defeating the Tamil king Elara.
How Gemunu became Dutugemunu
Prince Gemunu wanted to launch a battle against Elara. With this idea in mind he decided to
set out with his forces and marched to Kasatota. He remembered what his father, King
Kavantissa had told him - that he should not war with Elara because the time was not right.
After reaching his destination Prince Gemunu thought he will force his father to start an attack
against Elara. So, he sent a message to his father. He wanted his father's permission to cross
over to the other side of the Mahaweli river. When King Kavantissa heard what his son had
done, he was alarmed.
He sent a message to his son saying that Elara had a strong army with over a million soldiers.
After reading the message, the Prince sent a message back to his father ridiculing him and
calling him a woman for not allowing him to go ahead with the war. Together with this
message he sent his father a pair of bangles and a dress. The King was angry. He ordered his
men to arrest the Prince and to bring him back.
He ordered a golden chain to bind and keep his son prisoner. After hearing this, the Prince fled
to Gilimale (close to Ratnapura) and went into hiding. In disguise he made his way to Kotmale
and lived with a farming family. The behavior and disobedience of the King made the people
call him Dutta Gamini (Dutu Gamunu or wicked Gamini) Prince Tissa was then put in command
of the King's army.




The Ten giant warriors (Dasa Maha Yodayas)
King Kavanatissa knew that the task of getting rid of the invaders would not be possible in his
lifetime. He was getting old and weak. However he started building an army for the future war
with invaders with a band of warriors who proved themselves to be brave. Ten giant warriors
(Dasa Maha Yodayas) were recruited and they spent their time practicing martial arts. They
were joined by the two brothers Princes Gemunu and Tissa. They had their training in archery,
swordsmanship and in riding horses and elephants. King Kavantissa's call to arms began with
the recruitment of 10 young men. They were summoned before him and asked to find ten
warriors. Within a short time there were a 100 able soldiers. In this manner 1000 were taken
in. They raised a formidable army of 11 110, men within a short time. They came from various
parts of the country with the aim to drive away the Cholas. Soon the army was ready at the
capital Mahagama. The men were asked to equip themselves with horses, elephants, chariots
and food. The King then sent Prince Tissa with soldiers and chariots to Dighavapi to guard the
country.
The first giant warrior was Nandhimitra, a nephew of a Sinhalese general in Elara's army. He
lived in the South of Anuradhapura. He was named Mittha after his father. It is said that when
his mother went to the well to fetch water she was in the habit of tying a rope or strap around
his body and fastening it to a grinding stone, so that he would not stray outside. One day
when the mother was away, he dragged the heavy stone after him and later broke the rope
and freed himself. Thus, he became known as Nandhi- mittha.
There was a headman named Samgha who had seven sons. Nimala was the youngest who
was known for his idleness. King Kavantissa was looking out for young men to join his army.
When this message came to their village, six of Nimala's brothers thought that he should join
the army. But his parents thought otherwise. Their pet son Nimala was angry when his
brothers made fun of him and decided to join the army. With much regret his parents gave
him permission. The day he was to leave he rose early and ate rice from his mother's hand.
He worshipped his parents and left for Kasatota. This was about 30 miles from his home. By
sunrise he had reached his destination and presented himself before the Prince. Later he was
known as Suranimala.
In the village of Hundarivapi there lived a man named Tissa, who had eight sons. The
youngest was named Sona and later became known as Maha Sona. It is said that when
Mahasona was seven years old, he had the strength to tear young palms with his bear hands.
When he was ten, he could uproot palm trees.The King who was looking for brave young men
for his army, heard of the this young boy's strength and sent his men with gifts to his parents,
requesting them to send their son to the royal court. After seeing him, the King enlisted him
into the service of Prince Gemunu who was building up his army.
Theraputtabhya, a Buddhist monk, disrobed and joined King Dutugemunu's army and
became one of the 10 famous generals who fought the war. Upon victory he left the King's
army and re-ordained himself and as the story goes became an Arhath in the end.
Bharana was the son of Kumara. When he was 10, he used to go to the jungle with the other
boys to chase hares. He was also one of those whom the king requested should serve the
prince's army.
There also lived a man called Rohana in a village close to the Kota mountains. Gothabaya
was his son. One day Rohana decided to give up his lay life and become a monk. The King was
told about this and was asked if his son could become the village headman in his place. His
son was known as Abyaya, the son of the thera. He was very strong - so much so that when
he was a child he could lift huge stones that would take four to five men usually. The king
heard about this and he too was recruited to the army.
In the village of Nitulvita there lived a man named Mahanaga who had several sons. The
youngest was Gota who was short and lazy. One day his brothers left home in the morning to
clear a jungle patch for cultivation. They worked throughout the day in the hot sun, leaving a
small portion before they returned. They told their father that they had worked hard but left a
portion to be done by their youngest brother. Gotaimbara was hurt with what his brothers
said. He went to the field where there were Imbara trees. He immediately uprooted all Imbara
trees and made a field without wasting anytime. Then he went home and told them that he
had uprooted all the Imbara trees and prepared the field for cultivation. His brothers laughed
at him and went to see what he had done. When they got there they were surprised to see the
work done by Gota. They called him Gota Imbara which became Gotaimbara because he
uprooted all the Imbara trees
Vasabha was the son of Matta. His body was well framed and had the appearance of a
handsome young man and was called Labhiya Vasabha. He was very strong. When he was 25
he was given work that took some men to complete. One day he began to build a vewa and he
did this within a short time. King Kavantissa hearing this sent for him.

Velusumana was the chief warrior of King Kavan Tissa. He was the son of Vasubha who lived
in the district of Giri. Vasubha was well respected by the people. On the day his son was born
two friends of his, Vela a neighbour, and Sumana the governor of the district, came to visit
him with gifts. The boy's father gave his son the name Velu Sumana combining the names of
his friends.When the boy grew up the governor of the district Giri asked his friend Vasabha to
make him stay with him. The governor had a horse that could run fast and was known as
Sindhu, who did not allow anyone to mount him. But he allowed Velusumana and the people
who saw this were taken up by him. He was known as the greatest horseman in the country.
The king heard of this and requested the governor to send Velusumana to serve the King's
army as a horseman.

Phussadeva was the 10th giant worrior in the army who was known for his marksmanship


Death of King Kavantissa
The death of King Kavantissa saw internal conflicts within the kingdom of Ruhuna. It was
during this time that Queen Vihara Maha Devi removed the King's body in a horse-driven
carriage to Tissamaharama.
The venerable monks were consulted regarding the cremation of the dead king. Prince Tissa,
after receiving this news, hurried from Dighavapi (Digamadulla) and attended to the funeral
rites of his father. Prince Tissa returned to Dighavapi before the arrival of his brother
Dutugemunu.
While these were happening, ministers of the late King met in consultation to decide over the
successor to the throne. They decided on Prince Gemunu. A message was sent to the
ministers of Dutugemunu who was in Kotmale to return to Magama and take over the
kingship. Dutugemunu arrived. Prince Dutugemunu held a consecration ceremony and was
declared as successor to his father.
After King Kavantissa's death, the struggle for power began between his two sons
Dutugemunu and Tissa, each claiming the right of ownership of the royal tusker Kandula and
the queen mother Viharamaha Devi. Dutugemunu realised the danger from his brother Tissa
who was in Dighavapi.
He then marched with some of his soldiers to prevent sudden attacks. Guttahala was the
centre between Mahiyangana and Magama. It was considered a vital spot for security. He
stationed some soldiers to guard the area in case of a sudden attack. Soon afterwards
messages were sent asking his brother Tissa to send his mother and the elephant Kandula to
Magama. The requests were ignored. Prince Dutugemunu marched with his soldiers to compel
him to hand over them as requested.The two brothers met each other close to Guttahala in
the direction of Dighavapi. They were getting ready for a battle. It resulted in two battles in
which one was won by Prince Dutugemunu and the other by Prince Tissa.
The legend relates how Prince Tissa lost and fled to Dematamal Viharaya where the chief
incumbent Ven. Gonashanka Tissa Thera who saved the life of the prince. Prince Dutugemunu
it is said, after entering the vihara premises, inquired from the chief incumbent the
whereabouts of his brother who at that time was hiding underneath the bed of the Maha
Thera.
Prince Dutugemunu realized what happened and politely asked the Thera for his brother. The
VenerableThera was not willing to accede to his request and remained silent. The prince
thereafter placed his soldiers in vulnerable places to prevent the hiding prince from escaping.
Prince Tissa stayed within the viharaya for some days and a plan was drawn up for him to
escape. Accordingly he was carried on a bed in the guise of a dead monk. The samaneras
carried the bed, on seeing this act it was said, Prince Dutugemunu remarked, "Tissa, never get
carried on the shoulders of monk." Later the chief monk brought about unity between two
brothers and this unity remained throughout their life time.
Dutugamunu recieved a warm welcome from his people on his return to Mahagama. He
offered alms to the sangha who offered him advice and was helped by his mother.
Defeat of Elara
Dutugemunu with his ten generals took over and occupied the well protected fortress of Elara
called Vijithapura. The Sinhala army went along the road from Dambulla to Anuradhapura
attacking another fortress. Before long Mahela Nagara was also captured by Dutugemunu.
Then Dutugemunu decided to attack Anuradhapura where Elara was. Dutugemunu realised the
danger of fighting inside the city and wanted to avoid it. So he waited outside the city,
watching the movements of his enemy.
During this time, he built a wewa and treated the wounded soldiers. He collected many strong
men to increase the number of his army for the final battle.
Meanwhile Elara was distressed with the news of the number of fortresses that were
conquered by Dutugemunu.
He wanted to consult his ministers and generals and get their advice as to what should be
done to stop the advancing of Dutugemunu's army. They advised Elara about the danger of
fighting inside the city walls. It was then decided to meet Dutugemunu in an open battle.
There were 30,000 men who were on Elara's side, ready to confront Dutugemunu's army.
At this stage Elara decided to fight alone with Dutugemunu. Dressed in full armour, he got on
his elephant Mahapabbata, and together with 20 warriors who were his bodyguards,
marched towards Dutugemunu who was waiting for him. Dutugemunu hurriedly consulted his
mother Vihara Maha Devi and summoned his ministers to get their advice. It was then decided
to meet Elara and his army. The giant called Nandimithra stood on the right of Dutugemunu,
and the giant called Suranimala on the left.Both sides advanced and met in battle. At the
beginning Dutugemunu lost some of his men. Elara's army was very powerful, and to prevent
a further loss of his men, Dutugemunu's army stopped moving forward. The fight raged on.
Dutugemunu was surrounded by Elara's men who saw the weakness of Dutugemunu's men.
Elara's general Dighajantu made his way to fight with Dutugemunu. He was getting nearer to
the place where Dutugemunu stood.
Suranimala sensed the danger ahead and challenged Dighajantu. Dighajantu gave up rushing
towards Dutugemunu. Instead he turned towards Suranimala with his sword. He raised the
sword and brought it down with a powerful force on Suranimala who avoided the blow by
holding out his shield. The sword slipped and fell to the ground. Dighajantu was injured. There
was pain on his face and Suranimala was coming towards him. Quickly, Dighajantu bent down
to pick up the fallen sword. With a lightning speed Suranimala held the sword tightly and with
a mighty stroke, dealt Dighajantu a blow. Dighajantu could not avoid the blow and fell with a
loud cry that was heard throughout the battle front.
Elara's brother Bhalluka was advancing towards the capital city Anuradhapura from the day
he landed on the shores of Lanka. On hearing this, Dutugemunu decided to meet him before
he reached the city gates. After consulting his ministers on what action to take, Dutugemunu
mounted his favourite elephant Kandula with Phussadeva who was known for his
marksmanship. They saw that Bhalluka was advancing at the head of an army of soldiers.
Suddenly King's favorite elephant kanduala started retreating. Dutugemunu was surprised and
alarmed. He thought for a while and addressed his faithful general, "Before this, in twenty
eight battles, Kandula never retreated; what does this mean Phussadeva?" Phussadeva
thought of re-assuring the King. He knew that the King was superstitious to believe that
Kandula's unusual retreat was a sign of defeat. Phussadeva then addressed the King: "O King,
look for the place of victory where the elephant drew back. At the place of victory he will halt.
Let us take one stand where Kandula stood". There was no alternative for Dutugemunu but to
fall back
Bhalluka, in his shinning armour came forward to meet Dutugemunu. He did not act in haste,
but looked straight at the King and addressed him in a mocking manner. On hearing the
insulting words, Dutugemunu covered his mouth with the blade of his sword and replied
Bhalluka. Bhalluka grew angry and said, "I will send an arrow into your mouth'. Saying this,
he drew his bow and arrow and shot an arrow at Dutugemunu. Instantly Dutugamunu held his
sword in his mouth and prevented the arrow striking his face. It struck on the blade of the
sword and fell on the ground. Bhalluka thought his arrow had struck Dutugemunu in the
mouth, and cried out joyfully. It was then that Phussadeva, who was seated behind
Dutugemunu, shot an arrow into the mouth of Bhalluka. The arrow flew close to
Dutugemunu's ear-ring before hitting Bhalluka. Bhalluka fell to the ground in pain with a loud
cry and at the same time, a loud shout of victory was heard from those who were watching.
That evening, the King's palace was decorated brightly and lit up with lamps. The sweet smell
of fragrance drifted around. There was dancing and rejoicing throughout the night, over the
victory.
Although Dutugemunu had his mighty warriors, the dravidians were well fortified in a large
and strong fortress which kept the Sinhala army at bay. Kandula, then set the Herculean task
of crushing down the fortress, had charged with such fiery force and power which crumbled
the fort and brought out the Dravidians, who were no match for Dutugemunu's army.
King Dutugemunu in his historic war with King Elara had an army consisting of Eth, As, Riya
and Pabala (elephants, horses, chariots and soldiers). It is said that the elephant army
consisted of over 1000 tuskers.
Dutugemunu unites Anuradhapura
After the victory, Dutugemunu became the undisputed King of Lanka. He united the country
after defeating the invaders who occupied the seat of government in Anuradhapura. All his
warriors were richly rewarded according to their ranks.
But there was one warrior, Theraputtabhaya did not accept what was offered to him. The King
summoned him and asked him what was wrong. He answered, "O King! The war was won.
Now, there is one country after defeating the invaders". What do you want to do?, the King
then asked. Theraputtabhaya respectfully said, "I will fight against the passions. It is difficult
to win against such forces". The King tried to restrain him but found it difficult. With the
permission of the King, Theraputtabhaya took to robes and went to live with 500 monks.
After celebrating the victory for a week, the consecration ceremony was held with pomp and
pageantry, which ended with the water festival held at Tissa Weva.
It was on the Esala full moon day in BC 149 (i.e. 2,147 years ago), that the foundation stone
was ceremonially laid for the building of the Maha Thupa (Ruwanveliseya) in Anuradhapura, by
king Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) in the fulfillment of his religious zeal towards Buddhism. With
the ascendance of King Dutugemunu to the throne in the second century BC, he built
Mirisavatiya, Ruvanvaliseya stupas and Lovamahaprasada (Brazen Palace).
Lovamahapaya or Lovamahaprasada was built by King Dutugemunu in the Second Century
BC. The building was called by that name because its roof was covered with brazen tiles. This
nine storied building stood on stone pillars and had thousand chambers to house Buddhist
monks who gathered to perform uposatha - to decide on incidents when monks violate vinaya
rules. Lovamahapaya was the tallest building in Anuradhapura. It was 200 feet tall and 200
feet wide and resembled the palace of goddess Barani. It was here that monks assembled and
had discourses on Dhamma. (Saddhatissa who succeeded his brother King Dutugemunu,
rebuilt this building when fire destroyed it. The building was reduced from nine stories to five
by King Saddhatissa. The kings who succeeded him Tullatthana, Sirinaga 1, Sena 1 and
Parakramabahu 1 renovated Lovamahapaya and made it an important part of Maha Vihara.)
The story of Dutugemunu is familiar but many may not be aware that he married the daughter
of a rebel chieftain who continued to pay tributes to the Tamil King Elara. Ran Etana, the
chieftain's daughter who went against her father's wishes, joined Dutugemnunu, personally
leading an army of stalwart youths and maidens to help him conquer Elara.
Saliya & Asokamala: Crime of Love
Their son Saliya, who married a beautiful maiden of the scavenger caste( Chandala) and
thereby disqualified himself from inheriting the throne.
Mahawansa says "In the time of king Dutugemunu, the people were rejoiced. He had a son
named Saliya who was virtuous and he indulged in a life with constant meritorious deeds. He
had an affair with a low caste girl who had been connected with him in his past lives. She had
enchanting beauty and Saliya liking her forgot the kingdom." (Mahawansa - chapter 33)
Once the King visited the area and Asokamala has sent him a curry made of a delicious herb
called, Raththampala, the king was really happy to see the dish and inquired from where it
came from. The servants replied, "Your honor, it is from Ashokamala." The king glistened with
rage and slammed the dish on the wall. The time passed, the kings granite heart never
softened towards the son, just like his giant stone buildings in the Anuradhapura. Once he had
a wound in his leg caused by a small blister. It was so painful and the royal doctors were
summoned. They did their best but the wound got worsened. The final prescription needed
Raththampla but it was no where to be found. One servant remembered the pulp dried in the
wall and immediately a royal guard was sent to scratch it. Soon the medicine was made and
the wound was cured. Then the king enquired from where they got Raththampala. The
servants amidst utmost fear related the story and the king felt very sorry for Ashokamala.
Soon the couple was summoned to the palace and an official wedding was arranged. The king
became very happy seeing the pretty Ashokamala and they were pardoned for the crime of
love.

Death of King Dutugemunu
According to legends, King Dutugemunu died when he was stung on his head by a Naga who
had transformed himself into a cobra and lay in waiting in a coconut pandal.
King Dutugemunu was succeeded by his brother Saddhatissa who completed Ruvanvali Saya
and Lovamahapaya built by King Dutugemunu.
His son Valagamba succeeded to the throne. There was an invasion of Anuradhapura by the
Pandyans and the king had to live in exile for 14 years. King Valagamba also known as
Vattagamini Abhaya built Abhayagiri viharaya. Thus there came into existence two main
viharayas namely, Mahavihara and Abhayagiri.



































A new facet of our history buried
with the copper plate of King
Codaganga
(Dr. Malini Dias, Archaeological Department)
A buried element of our heritage was uncovered by the sudden discovery of a rare
piece of evidence that was brought to the Archaeological Department from
Kurunegala by the ASP Kuliyapitiya, Mr. Rohan Fernando. Four Copper Plates with
writing on either side of each plate had been inscribed in the Polonnaruwa period
during the reign of King Codaganga (1196-97 AD).
The chronicle Culavamsa reveals that king Codaganga had been a nephew of King
Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD) who preceded him as the ruler of Sri Lanka. Though
the reign of King Codaganga was very short, this epistle brings to light a Cola
invasion from South India, which was successfully repulsed during this period of
reign. The script in these copper plates shows a resemblance to the script of the
Panakaduwa copper plate of King Vijayabhahu I (1056-1110 AD) and the script of
the Devanagala Rock inscription of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD).
Similar panegyrics on the achievements of the Kings, frequently found in the stone
inscriptions of the twelfth century are found in this copper plate as well. With minor
variations from those of King Vijayabahu I, King Parakramabahu I and King
Nissankamalla, the eulogy of this copper plate confirms the regency of King
Codaganga.
The copper plate mentions the prevalence of rival invasions during this period. This is
all the more important as it mentions a foreign invasion Sri Lanka had experienced.
The copper plate states that the leaders who repulsed the invading Army of Cholas
(who are identified as Tamils, who had landed at Mavutu Tota) called Mantota today
and Mantai in Tamil had been gifted with titles and with farm lands.
By having placed the country on a war footing during his reign, Parakramabahu I
was successful in countering foreign invasions and waging war with success against
foreign countries. The Devanagala Inscription, dated in the twelfth year of King
Parakramabahu, records a grant of lands to Kit Nuvaragala, a Commander of the
Army who won success in the Myanmar expedition. The loss of human resources and
the depletion of the coffers due to these costly wars resulted in the inability of the
kings who ruled after him to stave off foreign invasions.
The undue prominence given to the wars by King Parakramabahu I resulted in some
of his generals crowning puppet rulers and ruling the country according to their
whims and fancies after his demise. The underlying factor emerging from the
incidents mentioned in the copper plate is that a certain general with the intention of
deposing King Codaganga from the throne and foist an aristocrat of his choice on the
throne had been instrumental in bringing a Chola army from South India which was
summarily routed by the King.
The copper plate mentions how the Colas, with the "four armed forces" stormed
Mavutu Tota, took over the harbour and subjugated the people whilst making
incursions inland. The description also adds that two hours before the dawn of the
fifth day, the Cola invasion was quelled. The King elated by the rout of the Cola
Tamil army by a general named Kilingam Minalnavan, who exhibited his valor at war
is said to have bestowed him with titles and lands. The lands were located in the
kingdom of Maya. These gifts are termed as "Pamunu Deemana" and the
presentation of these were to be considered perpetual by the fact that it was done by
the king with an entourage of queens, ministers and generals. The title Lanka
Adhikari mentioned here and in some of the inscriptions of this period was generally
given to the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister.
A general by the name Lolupelakulu Kitalnavan, mentioned in this copper plate and
in Doratiya Sannasa of King Nissankamalla could be one and the same person. The
copper plate describes how King Codaganga with his chief queen and queen
Ratnavali accompanied by the heads of the royal assembly including the ministers
met the general and bestowed on him the Pamunu Deemana of paddy fields and
other properties. An exceptionally important feature is that the chief queen and
queen Ratnavali are mentioned in this function. The significance of Pamunu Deemana
is borne out in the Doratiyava Sannasa that the head queen Subadra and queen
Kalyanawathi of King Nissankamalla too had taken part in similar presentations.
Another significant discovery is that the engravings found in the copper plates are
very lucid and the script is engraved in a series of minute punch marks. This method
of engraving has hitherto not been discovered in any inscription either on plate or on
rock. This copper plate could be grouped in the same category of rare copper plates
as the allai Kantale and the Panakaduwa copper plates. The moon and the sun
engraved in the first of the four copper plates signify that this Pamunu Deemana
should not be revoked until the sun and the moon continue to exist.
Though a number of copper plate inscriptions have been discovered in India, only
three have been discovered so far in Sri Lanka. These copper plates have undergone
deterioration by the fact that they had been buried in the soil for a considerable
period of time. They should all be treated chemically, deciphered, published in the
Epigraphical series and thereafter placed on public view.














Dona Catherina: the last empress of Lanka
(By A. Denis N. Fernando, Former President of the Royal Asciatic Society/The Island)
1. The Kingdom of Kotte was established by Parakrama Bahu Vl (1473-1480) who
was also Emperor of Ceylon. The Kingship devolved on King Dharmapala (1557-
1597).
2. The Kandyan Kingdom was established as an autonomous Kingdom in 1474 under
Vickrama Bahu Vl, King and Emperor of Kotte. Vickrama Bahu broke away and
established himself as King of Kandy. Vickrama Bahu gave his daughter in marriage
to Kiravilla the brother in Law of the King of Kotte. Kiravillas son Karaliedde Bandara
was also known as Mahaadasin to the throne of Kandy.
3. The Portuguese first made contact with Ceylon accindentaly when in ISOS Admiral
Lorenzo De Almeida landed here by strong monsoonal winds but did not enter into
any formal treaty. However, about 5 decades later the Portuguese came here to
establish a factory in Colombo in the time of King Dharmapala.
4. With the coming of the Portuguese the King of Kotte, nobles and warriors were
converted to the Catholic faith and adoption of Portuguese, titles and names after
conversion. Dharmapala was baptised as Don Juan Dharmapala.
5. Mayadunne and Rajasinghe I of Sitawaka raised a rebellion against the
Portuguese.
6. Mahasin, Karaliadde Bandara the father of Kusumasena Devi fled Kandy with his
wife and child as well as his nephew Yamasinghe Bandara for safety to Trincomalee
as there was an attempt to capture his Kingdom by Rajasinghe I. It is said that at
Trincomalee he and his wife was affected by smallpox and died. Both Yamasinghe
and infant Kusumasena Devi were advised to beseech the aid of Catholic Nuns in
Mannar for succour. Yamasinghe was baptised as Don Phillip and Maha (pata)
bandige Kusumasena Devi was baptised as Dona Catherina.
7. Rajasinghe I together with his General Wimala Dharmasuriya (Sn) conquers
Kandy and appoints his General Wimaladharmasuriya (the father of
Konnappubandara) as Governor of Kandy.
8. Subsequently King Rajasinghe I who was a diehard convert to Hinduism had
ordered the Governor of Kandy to destroy the Buddhist Monks in Kandy. He did not
carry out the orders and he knew what would happen to him, so he sent his wife and
son over to the Portuguese in Mannar. And reported to Rajasinghe I Sithawaka,
where he was martyored by Rajasinghe I by stoning him to death for not carrying
out his orders. (see Pg 669 Baldeus
9. General Wimaladharma Suriyas son who was known as Konnappubandara was
baptized as Don John of Austria.
10. Both Don Phillip and Don John were trained in warfare in Goa by the Portuguese
while Dona Catherina was named in the niceties of Royal etiquette and court craft.
11. The Portuguese decide to Conquer Kandy with Don Phillip to be installed as King
with Don John as his General, who were both expected to marry Portuguese wives,
so that they could have a control over them and were taken to Mannar for the
expedition.
l2. The Portuguese advanced an expedition to Kandy to conquer it with Portuguese
General Pedro Lopenz and conquered Kandy and Don Phillip was installed as King,
when after a while he was poisoned by his General Don John of Austria who took
over the reigns as King of Kandy better known as Wimaladharma Suriya l uses the
Portuguese Captives to reconstruct his Fortress in Kandy and his palace.
13. Rajasinghe I attacks Kandy but is routed by Wimaladharma Suriya 1 (Don John
of Austria) and returns to Seethawaka and dies. Jayaweera Banda the Treasurer of
Rajasinghe I declares himself King of Seethawaka.
14. Jayaweera Banda conspires with the Portuguese to conquer Kandy, with the
hidden intention of marrying Dona Catherina and become undisputed Emperor.
15. Dona Catherina leaves Mannar with the Portuguese General Pedro to be installed
as Empress of Ceylon in Kandy. The pole of the Palanquin in which Dona Catherina is
carried breaks. This is considered as a bad omen by Donna Catherina, but General
Pedro Lopes with her not to be superstitutious and they decide to proceed to Kandy
on the Expedition.
16. The joint forces of the Portuguese and Jayaweera Banda takes over Kandy which
was tactfully deserted by Wimaladharma Suriya and installs Dona Catherina as
Empress.
17. There are strained feelings between General Pedro Lopes and Jayaweera
Bandaas Pedro Lopes refuses to give into the intentions of Jayaweera Banda to
marry Dona Catherina.
18. Wimaladharmasuriya I adopts Guerrilla Tactics and attacks Kandy, with the
support of disgruntled Jayaweera who is promised by Don John to give him the lower
Kingdom.
19. The Portuguese are routed and Dona Catherina captured and Wimala Dharma
Suriya I marries her and becomes the undisputed Emperor of Ceylon with Empress
Dona Catherina as Queen.
20. Jayaweera Banda is murdered by the Portuguese.
21. Dona Catherina begets by King Wimala Dharma Suriya I three children, namely a
son Mahaasstane (the legal heir to the throne), two daughters Sunya Mahadasin and
Cathan Adsain and lives in the old Palace in the premises of the present Kataragama
Devale where the Palace Complex was within inner Fortress as indicated in the old
Portuguese Maps as well as the French but copied mirror reversed by Spilbergen in
1602, (see Map)
22. The well known Perahera of the four devales of Kataragama, Vishnu, Natha and
Pattini was established at that time.
23. Demise of Wimala Dharma Suriya I and Dona Catherina takes over as regent to
her son Mahaastenne who is heir to the Kingdom.
24. Senerath Marries Dona Catherina and begets three sons namely Prince Wijepala.
PRINCE Kumarasinghe and Mahadasin.
25. Death of Heraditory Imperial Prince Mahastanne on 23rd August 1612. Dona
Catherina suspects Senarath of Murdering him.
26. Cremation Scene of Mahastenne at Mahiyawa (it is said the ashes of Mahastenne
was brought by Dona Catherina to Welimantotta (in Kegalle) where the urn was kept
within the Palace, which the Archaeology Dept. had found in the excavation of the
Palace.
27. During this time she was also carrying another child by Senarath, However
during her visits to Kandy she is reputed to have stayed in the Guest House in the
Centre of the Present Kandy Lake (in the days of Senarath it was a paddy field)
28. While at Welimantota she fell deliriously ill and summoned Prince of Migonne
(Marcellus de Boschhouwer) and the Prince of Ouver (Kuruwitarala) and gave special
custody of all her children and died, while incanting Catholic Prayers on 20th July
1613 at the age of 35.
29. Donna Catherina was buried on 21st July 1613 with all Honours due to an
Empress with Roman Catholic rites at her Palace Premises at Welimantota. It is
believed that she was buried dressed in her Royal Regellia including a Pearl Rosary
round her hands and the Bible beside 29. The Moseleum was built by the Prince of
Ouva (Kuruwitarala) entombing herein a masolieum and a oil lamp was lit
perpetually in her memory till recently.
30. Senarath falls sick and summons the Council to decide on the Succession. Prince
of Migonne (Marcellus de Boschhouwer) and the Prince of Ouva (Kuruwitarala)
appoints Regents of Cumarasinghe Heriditory Prince during his minority with full
authority (pa 694) to govern the relm and chosen for so great a task. In case of his
death other princes to follow according to custom.
31. Battle of Randeniya Commanded by Prince Wijepala and others against the
Portuguese. Portuguese Governor Constantine de Saa falls in battle, when the
Negombo troops under Constantine de Saa went over to the King of Kandy on a
prearranged signal and the Portuguese were routed. There is a Memorial to this
event. (Incidentally when I gave the road trace for the construction of the Ella
Wellawaya Road l made it a point to see that this road passes through this historical
site)
32. Senarath Dies in 1632 and left the Empire between his three sons. Ouva to
Vijayapala his eldest, Matale to Kumarasinghe and Kandy to Mahastane the youngest
who later became King under the imperial name of Rajasinghe II.
33. Vijapala dies and Rajasinghe 11 takes over the entire Kingdom.
34. It is in this background that Fr. Joseph Vaz was allowed by Wimaladharma Suriya
II to build a Church in Kandy where Fr. Joseph Vaz was subsequently buried in the
tie of Narendrasinghe. Later the Church was destroyed in 1745 but his remains lie
there yet as the ground where he was buried was not disturbed.
35. Using old Portuguese Maps and field research I was able to locate the Ancient
Fortress of Wimaladharma Suriya I till the time of Narendrasinghe which also
indicates the Guest House where Donna Catherina used to occupy when she had
strained relations with King Senarath which was in the centre of a paddy field which
has now been converted to the Kandy Lake. While during my research visits to
Kandy in 1990 I was fortunate to get at the level of the old Bogambara Wewa and
with further soil brings I was able to determine its level as l320 ft m.s.1. from which
I determined the level of the old Bogambara wewa and was able to determine the
site of the old church of Fr. Joseph Vaz.
36. Regarding the Burial Site of DONA CATHERINA. This site of 7 Acres was declared
an Archaeological site by H. C. P. Bell the first Archaeological Commissioner and is
mentioned in Bells Kegalle Report. Unfortunately the subsequent head of the
Archaeological Department has in his ignorance or in their endeavour to please
certain influential parties had decided to declare only a small part of it of about half
an acre or 80 perches, as an Archaeological Site even at the protests of not only the
then Government Agent Mr. L. U. C. Kuruppu and the citizens of Kegalle. Now it
appears persons are allowed to encroach and build on this SACRED BURIAL SlTE of
our Last Empress of Sri Lanka. This is a National Calamity, sacrilege and desecration
and deserves the Condemnation of all Citizens of the Country as it is the heritage of
our Country.

Dona Catherina was not an "Empress"
(By B. P. Aryatilake/The Island)
On reading the article by Dr. K. D. V. D. Fernando, a doctor of medicine, on Dona
Catherina I get the impression that he is mixing up history and medicine to a lethal
dose. Mr. Dennis N. Fernando (a geologist) is admittedly a well-informed amateur on
the subject. But he has over skipped his territory.
If you require reliable knowledge on the period in which Dona Catherina lived, read
authorities that have done the laborious work of ploughing through the original
sources. The researches of the late Prof. Tikiri Abeyasinghe are essential reading for
this purpose. The article on Dona Catherina in the Sinhala Encyclopaedia (Vol. VII,
Fascicle 3) would provide a quick overview. We have to challenge the two articles
referred to above because they are much in the trend of creating a new sociology of
knowledge to suit the agendas of the proselytising NGOs.
Dona Catherina cannot be characterised as an "Empress" by any extent of
imagination. The term "Emperor" was used by foreign invaders to flatter and exact
favours and privileges from local rulers having sway only on a small part of the
country and to set up one against the other. Catherina existed only as cover for
Portuguese occupation of the Kandyan Kingdom, lasting only for four months with
Lopez de Souza, the Portuguese Conquistador on her side. The latter was killed at
the battle of Danture (l594). The Portuguese completely routed, Catherina fell into
the hands of Konappu Bandara who married her to strengthen his claims to the
Kingdom of Kandy.
The first and the foremost qualification for kingship in Sri Lanka was the possession
of the Dalada (The Sacred Tooth Relic). Since the time it was brought to Sri Lanka
during the reign of Kirti Sri Meghavanna (310 CE), kings guarded it jealously building
a special shrine (the Dalada-ge) within an arms reach to their palaces. Special
guards and monks were appointed to remove it to a place of safety during turbulent
times. When the capital shifted from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa and thence to
Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte and Kandy the Tooth Relic
went with the royalty. It was the sceptre of Sri Lankas sovereignty.
Konappu Bandara, a Kandyan aristocrat who had mastered Portuguese military skills
by feigning to have become a Christian became the king of Senkadagalapura
(Kandy) in the year 1592. He deposed, (l592) the Portuguese puppet Don Juan, set
up by them. Konappu Bandara assumed the name of Vimaladharmasuriya I, (l592-
16O4) marrying Dona Catherina and thereby strengthening his claim to the throne.
He brought the Tooth Relic from the Delgamu Raja Maha Vihara where it had been
hidden under a stone grind during the turbulent times of Rajasinha I. The country
shed a sigh of relief from the rapacious Portuguese invaders. To become king or
Emperor one had to possess the Dalada. Otherwise rebellion quickly and necessarily
followed. Don Juan Dharmapala, (l541-l593) Don Philip (1992) and Dona Catherina
were either pawns or puppets of the hated foreigner. They did not represent either
the people or the heritage and the culture of this country inextricably entwined with
the countrys religion Buddhism.
Dona Catherina was for all running through her veins practical purposes a foreign
lady with Portuguese culture. From the tender age of three she was brought up by
the Portuguese Her childhood conditioning in a Portuguese convent in Mannar
couldnt have produced anything different. Fundamental beliefs and prejudices are
implanted in childhood.
She suited ideally the scheming plans of Lopez de Souza, the Conquistador General,
chaperoning and protecting her from public view. He planned to marry her off to a
Portuguese prince and was marking time in Kandy with his "Empress" he had so
even installed, till a suitor of his specifications was brought there from Portugal. He
dismissed all young men who made a claim to hold the hand of Catherina as this
would be an impediment to the plans of the Portuguese to assume sovereignty over
the Whole Island. This they claimed by virtue of the deed granted to the Portuguese
by Don Juan Dharmapala of Kotte (l541-l591) as his inheritors to the Island.
If this ever happened Sri Lanka would have been fully Catholic country today by
operating cujus regio, ejus religio - the principle that the established religion should
be that of the sovereign. What is wrong with that? I could hear someone ask. The
answer is; the change would have been a regress in our island civilisation. Sri Lanka
produced its own unique civilisation and is as old and as valuable as any other. Who
would want a mild, tolerant liberal religion that has a proven record of bringing love,
peace and tranquillity to the nations of Asia, be replaced by an authoritarian and a
militaristic one. Just take the case of South America. Sixteen million indigenous
people died there during the same period in wars the aim of which was to convert
"heathens" to Christianity. It was Pope Alexander VI (Borgia) who gave the
Spaniards to do so.
Dona Catherina had no interest in kingship and had no political ambitions. She could
have hardly spoken the language of the people and was obliging with only the
interests of the Portuguese in whose company she found herself secure. In fact some
time after her second marriage to Senarat, step brother of Wimaladharmasuriya, she
wrote to Azevedo, the Portuguese Captain General (l594-1612) requesting
permission to come and settle down in Malvana. This very same Azevedo according
to the Culavamsa (Pt. II. 9S) Ch. "broke into the shrines and monasteries, destroyed
image houses, Bodhi trees, Buddha statues and so on, and did great harm to the
laity and the order". Her desire was to come back to this hated enemy of the
Sinhalese. "Empress" Catherina indeed deserves a monument! What about a
monument to Rajasinhe I of Sitawaka who kept the Portuguese on the run, confining
them virtually to the limits of Colombo?
Dr. K. P. V. Ds agenda to construct a memorial to Catherina is unnecessary and
would be a waste of public funds. The erection of statues, monuments and
memorials are recent practices to bolster the egos of bloated potentates. Anicca vata
samkhara (All component phenomena are transitory). I am quoting the right thing at
the right place with the right transcription if Dr. K. P. V. D. wants to understand what
it means. Practically all the great Emperors of India, including the greatest of all,
Asoka, were Buddhists. No monuments were built in their honour. This rule applies
also to the great monarchs of Sri Lanka, who were all Buddhists. A statue to a mortal
being is inconsistent with the concept of anatta (no soul). In Myanmar where the
Theravada tradition is live and kicking no statues are built to any potentate. A policy
of wisdom - pure wisdom.
It is deplorable that a piece of land allotted for the historical commemoration of Dona
Catherina has been occupied and encroached. This has been due to the neglect by
authorities. But it must be said that the ulterior motive of some is to use the name of
Queen Kusumasana Devi as a pretext to impose, inappropriately, Christian
iconography and other structures on this nation. What could be conceded is, that a
memorial stone be installed without any religious symbols at the place where
Catherina died. She after all is a part of the history of this country and the mother of
Rajasinha II, a great king who did much to stabilise the social and economic
conditions of the country.
Dona Catherina, the tragic character in Sri Lankas history, was only a pawn in the
true sense of the word. - Not an Empress. We have no reason to erect monuments to
persons who voluntarily or involuntarily did a great disservice to the religion and
culture of this country allying themselves with our enemies and intruders for their
pure egoistic glorification. Dona Catherina was an involuntary player in that game.
To designate her as a heroine and as a great Catholic Empress of Sri Lanka would be
a gross distortion of our history.






The Kingdom of Sitavaka 1521-1594

KINGS OF SITAVAKA
Mayadunne 1521-1581
Rajasinha I 1554-1593
Rajasurya 1593-1594


Sitavaka came into being on the failure of a
conspiracy to deprive the throne to the
legitimate heirs of Vijayabahu VI of Kotte
(1513- 1521).
A century earlier, Kotte had Parakramabahu the
VI (1411-1466), the last great ruler of the
island. He was king emperor not in its just de
jure concept, but as a most powerful de Facto
ruler.
As it often happens after the reign of a powerful
ruler, the period after Parakramabahu, saw the
commencement of the gradual decline of the
kingdom. It began with the ascent of
Parakramabahus grandson to the throne, as
Jayavira Parakramabahu (1466-1469). That
accession was contested by Sapumal
Kumaraya, Parakramabahus brother, who
marched from Yapapatuna - which he had
subdued and was ruling there-dethroned
Jayavira, did him to death, and ascended the throne as Buvanekabahu the VI (1469-
1477).
The dethronement of Jayavira, accentuated the factions within the kingdom, and led
to an uprising known as the Sinhala Sange or Sinhala Peraliya. It is thought that one
cause for the uprising would have been the influx of many Tamils who would have
come with Sapumal from Yapapatuna, and occupied responsible positions in Kotte.
The Sinhala Sange was put down by Ambulugala, Buvanekabahus brother, and
thereafter the king diplomatically placated the rebels, as a means of keeping his
kingdom secure.
The succession after Buvanekabahu too created problems. The ascent to the throne
of his son, or as said, his adopted son, known by the throne name of Pandita
Parakramabahu (1477), was immediately contested by Ambulugala Raja, the then
Yuvaraja, or heir apparent. That contest led to the death of Pandita, and the ascent
of Ambulugala Raja, as Vira Parakramabahu VIII (1477-1489).
As fFar as succession contests were concerned, it ended for the time being with Vira
Parakramabahus accession. He had 5 sons from 2 queens, namely, Buvanekabahu,
Sri Rajasinha and Vijayabahu from the chief queen and Sakakalavalla and
Taniyavalla from the second queen.
Thus, after Vira Parakramabahu, his eldest son Buvanekabahu ascended the throne
as Dharma Parakramabahu IX (1489-1513) After him, Vijayabahu ascended the
throne as Vijayabahu VI (1513-1521), as his elder brother, Rajasinha, had died, and
Sakalkalavalla had refused the honour.
Brothers, Rajasinha and Vijayabahu, when at Manikkadavara, had cohabited with
Anula Kahatuda, later, known as Kiravalle Maha Biso Bandara. She had begotten
them four sons, namely, Maha Rayigam Bandara, Bovanekabahu, Pararajasinha and
Mayadunne.
After the death of Maha Biso Bandara, Vijayabahu, new king of Kotte, had contracted
a second marriage from the same Kiravalle family; she was known as Kiravalle Biso
Bandara. With her, had come a little boy -her son- named Deva Rajasinha, who,
unknown to him, would be the cause of a major calamity in the kingdom.
With the death of Sakalakalavalla, Vijayabahus half-brother, who was the Yuvaraja
at Udugampola, the second queen desired to make Deva Rajasinha, still seven years,
the Yuvaraja i.e. heir apparent.
A delicate situation
With that request arose a delicate situation. The sons from the first queen -Kiravalle
Maha Biso Bandara- were now of age, and were the natural successors to that
position. But, Vijayabahu, apparently under pressure, acquiesced to make Deva
Rajasinha, the Yuvaraja.
To that end, there was only one way out. The legitimate heirs to that position had to
be eliminated. The matter was highly explosive, and had to be carefully worked out.
The king and queen conspired with two officials, Kandure Bandara and Ekanayake
Mudaliya to plan the strategy.
Going against custom, and hatching a diabolical plot in secrecy, was not a sure
recipe for success. The three brothers, having come to know of the plot, first fled to
the Kelaniya temple, and then through Boralessa to Migomuva or Negombo. From
there, Mayadunne, the youngest, went to Uda Rata, and sought the help of Jayavira
(1511-1552) to foil the plot of their father, the king, to gain their rightful place.
Jayavira, who had succeeded Senasammata Vikramabahu (1474 1511), had
married Mayadonnes cousin, i.e. Kiravalle Maha Biso Bandaras brother, Kiravalle
Maha Palahamys daughter. Further, Jayavira too, surreptitiously, and as and when
opportunity arose, was carving out his power base in the Uda Rata. Thus, with blood
relationships on the one side, and sensing an opportunity to weaken Kotte, on the
other side, he readily obliged, and provided an army from the Four Korales.
With that support, Mayadunne, on his way to Kotte, camped at Kelaniya until the
arrival of his brothers. There at messengers were received from Kotte seeking peace
and direct talks with the king. The brothers agreed to negotiate, but on condition
that Kandure Bandara and Ekanayake Mudaliya, the accomplices to the plot are
surrendered. There being no alternative, the demand was acceeded to.
The brothers, after seeing that Kandure Bandara paid the highest penalty for his
crime - Ekanayake Mudaliya having escaped and fled to safety - went to the palace,
as per agreement for negotiations with the king, their father.
In the meantime, the king had placed guards in hiding at the palace, with
instructions to bar the doers after the entry of the princes - his own sons- to ensure
their final disposal. But, as fate would have it, the 7 year old Deva Rajasinha, in his
innocence, informed Mayadunne, of the soldiers in hiding.
On hearing what the young prince had said, the three brothers stormed out of the
inner city Etul Kotte, and immediately thereafter, ordered the army to invade the
palace and loot it. The kings forces too, not with the king, joined the rest in the
ransacking. The king and queen who were upstairs in the palace, were held prisoners
there.
The decision was taken: the king had to die. It is said, that no Sinhalese would
execute the deed, and thus, it was a man named Selamba, of unknown identity, or a
Salman, a Moslim trader, who had come forward to see the end of Vijayabahu. The
conspiracy having failed, the king paid for it with his life. It is that event which has
come to be known as the Vijayaba Kollaya.
After the death of Vijayabahu, people acclaimed, the eldest, Buvanekabahu [VII], as
king at Kotte (1521-1557). Pararajasinha, was assigned Rayigama, Walallawiti and
Pasyodun Korales, and Mayadunne was given Sitavaka, Denavaka and the four
Korales. Nothing is known of the fate of Prince Deva Rajasinha, or of Kiravalle Biso
Bandara.
Thus, in 1521, came into existence the princedom of Sitavaka destined to write a
brief and inconclusive, but a proud chapter in the long annals of Sri Lankan history.
Mayadunne (1521-1581), now of Sitavaka, was the ablest of the three brothers. He
soon aspired to the overlordship of the island: i.e. to be king of Kotte.
The political scenario at the time had seen three other centres wielding power. They
were, the nascent power base of Senkadagalapura in the Uda Rata, Yapapatuna in
the North, exercising a limited jurisdiction in the peninsula since about the 13th
century, and the Portuguese in the just established (1518) fortelessa in Colombo.
Buvanekabahus main concern on his accession, was to watch the Portuguese, the
new and dangerous arrival in the scene, and to see that Senkadagalapura was kept
in check. That would be the concern of Mayadunne as well.
In pursuing his ambition, Mayadunne, not only started harassing Kotte but also
threw his attention on the Portuguese at Colombo. But, the Portuguese, were
different from the inland rivals. They not only had their gun-power and trained
soldiers in warfare, but also could draw support from their possessions in the south
of India. Additionally, they were the naval power of repute at the time.
Within the immediate confines of the Kotte kingdom, Sitavaka made use of an early
opportunity to enlarge its territory. That happened when it unilaterally annexed the
territory of Rayigam Bandara, on his untimely death in 1538. Buvanekabahu,
acknowledging a fait accompli, formally assigned that princedom to him, and averted
a conflict.
On Sitavaka harassing Kotte, Buvanekabahu allied himself with the Portuguese. That
was the beginning of its later alienation with the populace, and the prelude to
foregoing its legitimacy as the acknowledged sovereign of the island. The beneficiary
of it would be Sitavaka.
In the alienation of Kotte, the role of the missionaries was significant. They spared
no pains or means in seeking converts to their faith, for the greater glory of their
God. The adverse repercussions of such conversions in the country was not seen only
by those who benefited by such action. The constant pressure they brought on
Buvanekabahu himself to adopt Christianity, was only adding fuel to the fire.
All this made Sitavaka the centre de resistance, not only for the political salvation of
the country, but for the survival of its culture and civilization as well.
As the picture unfolds, the energies of Sitavaka were at first directed against
Buvanekabahu, and then against the Portuguese. Sometime around 1526, on the
seizure of two Mocrish vessels by the Portuguese, and the killing of some Moors with
the assistance of a Salappu Arachchi, the Moors on land sought and received refuge
at Sitavaka. Thus he befriended an ally, who would be useful to him in the future.
Accordingly, in 1536, Mayadunne, together with the assistance received from the
Samorin of Calicut, directed his first attack on Colombo. The inconclusive result of
that attack, would be repeated many a time during Sitavakas existence.
Inter-domain, Sitavakas relations with Kotte deteriorated further, when
Buvanekabahu gave his daughter, Samudra Devi, in marriage to Vidiye Bandara of
Madampe, a man of repute and ability, and a grandson of Sakalakalawalla. As far as
Mayadunne was concerned, the consequences of that marriage became further
aggravated, when Buvanekabahu nominated Dharmapala, the elder son from the
union between Vidiye Bandara and Samudra Devi, as his successor.
Buvanekabahu, fully aware that his nominee will be contested on accession, sought
the help of the Portuguese, to provide him with the necessary military support. To
that end, he got a golden effigy of the prince sent to Portugal, to be crowned as his
successor, thus assuring that military support would not fail in time of need.
The image of Dharmapala sent to Portugal, was crowned in 1541, in Lisbon, with
great pomp and pageantry. With that the chance of Mayadunne, legally succeeding
Buvanekabahu was sealed. To all concerned, it would have been apparent, if not
certain, that, Dharmapala would be a puppet in the hands of the Portuguese.
Now, matters turned in a devious way. The activities of the ambitious Vidiye Bandara
led to a curious alliance between Mayadunne and the Portuguese. And, their
combined forces, i.e. Mayadunness and that of the Portuguese, battled Vidiye
Bandara on two occasions, namely in 1548 and in 1555. Such alliances between the
Sinhalese and the Portuguese, were hastily made and hastily abandoned.
Even in the midst of animosity, Vidiye Bandara, had been a desirable son-in-law to
any king. Thus, on the death of Samudra Devi, Mayadunne, gave in marriage his
widowed daughter Maha Tikiri Bandara, to Vidiye Bandara. But the cordiality thus
established, was short lived. Although in 1550 Buvanekabahu and the Portuguese
had razed the capital city of Sitavaka, Mayadunne, allied with the Portuguese in 1555
to attack his stronghold at Pelenda, which he had established after his union with
Maha Tikiri Bandara.
It was at that battle, that the young son of Mayadunne, called Tikiri Bandara or
Tikiri Kumaraya, had first distinguished himself in the battlefield, and was called
Rajasinha.
It is said, that Tikiri Kumaraya or Rajasinha, was fathered by Petiyagoda Patta Mestri
Sinhala Kirti Rajapakse Bhatirajja Vanniyar Mudiyanse Disava, residing in the palace,
and was begotten by Sumana Devi, the Chief Queen of Rajasinha. It is also said that
it had been a known fact, as much as his physique, ability, military prowess, intellect
and bravery.
Thus, at Pelenda, Vidiye Bandara, had met his match. In the face of defeat at the
hands of young Tikiri, he withdrew - from the battlefield, and taking a circuitous
route reached Udarata, where he was politically welcome by Karalliyadde Bandara
(1552-1582), who had succeeded Jayavira (1511-1552).
From there, he twice attacked Sitavaka, but at the last engagement at
Mudukondapela he once again deserted the army, and fled the battlefield. Soon after
he ended up at Yapapatuna, and it is said, that at the Nallur kovil where, some gun-
powder had been accidentally set alight, being mistaken for gun-shots, or as
Trindade says, due to the riches he had, a fight ensued, and, both he and his
younger son Wijayapala, was killed at that place.
In the meantime, the Portuguese had successfully converted Jayavira, the first
among the Sinhala kings to succumb to politico- missionary pressure. Thereafter, in
1557 they succeeded with Dharmapala (1551-1597). Thus, what they failed with
Buvanekabahu, they achieved with his grandson. On baptism, Dharmapala, not only
took the name of Don Joao, but also confiscated all temple land and gave them to
the Franciskans; that included the Daladage at Kotte and the Maha Vihare at
Kelaniya. The alienation of the reigning Sinhala king with his people, was complete.
In popular acceptance, Mayadunne became the King of the land.
Between 1557 and 1565, Mayadunne and his son Rajasinha besieged Kotte several
times. The Portuguese, unable to depend, both Kotte and Colombo, abandoned Kotte
in 1565, and Dharmapala, moved with all his valuables and retinue to Colombo. For
all practical purposes the suzerainity of Kotte had come to an end. Sitavaka became
the acknowledged capital of the people.
Now, Sitavaka concentrated on two fronts: one on Colombo, and the other on
Senkadagalapura. With that, diplomacy and treachery, came to work at its optimum
against Sitavaka, in concert with Kandy and Colombo.
Queyroz, as well as Sinhala records state that Mayadunne abdicated in May
1578/1580 in favour of Rajasinha (1580/1593), and thereby, the latter became the
de facto successor, to the Kotte kingdom. But, the de jure position remained with
Dharmapala in Colombo, by virtue of the nomination of the latter by Buvanekabahu,
and supported by the alien Portuguese power in the island.
The Chulavamsa statement that Rajasinha was a parricide is contradicted by
Queyroz, and other contemporary Sinhala works, and has also been effectively
disproved by all scholars of this period.
On Rajasinhas accession to Sitavaka, he continued to lay siege on Kandy. If
Dharmapala had alienated his position of being the rightful ruler of the land, by his
conversion to Catholicism, Karalliyadde, a grandson of Senasammata Vikramabahu,
was in the same plight after his conversion, which is dated to sometime between
1562 and 1564. Thus, when Rajasinha invaded Kandy in 1582, Karalliyadde fled his
kingdom.
Sitavaka was now at the apex of its power. It had taken over the territory of Kotte,
and now of Senkadagalapura. Only Colombo, the seat of the Portuguese, and of
Dharmapala, lay between his virtual possession of the Kotte kingdom and his
aspiration for the overlordship of the island.
Thus, Rajasinha, after his expedition against Colombo in 1579- 1581, once again
mounted an attack between 1587 and 1588. Brilliant as these campaigns were, yet
they failed to achieve their objectives. Portuguese succour from its Indian
possessions, and Rajasinhas inability to control the seas, and perhaps the better
trained soldiery of the Portuguese against that of his, led to his disappointment. In
both occasions he nearly succeeded, but unfortunately, success eluded him.
If the Kandyans were piqued by Karalliyaddes embracing of Catholicism, Rajasinhas
acceptance of Hinduism and his ravage of Buddhist temples and its clergy, together
with his latter day intemperate behaviour led the Kandyans to seek another ruler for
themselves. That desire of theirs was strangely enough, fulfilled with the aid of the
Portuguese. They, with Kanappu Bandara as Commander-in-Chief of their force sent
another Catholic prince, Don Philip Yamasinghe Bandara, a nephew of Karalliyadde,
and placed him on the throne.
Due to that Portuguese intervention in Kandy, which received support from some
sections of its people, Rajasinha, in 1593, once again invaded Kandy. If Vidiye
Bandara had met his match in Rajasinha, Rajasinha met his match in Konappu
Bandara, at the Balana pass. The latter successfully defended the entry to Kandy,
and Rajasinha retired.
Konappu Bandara or Dom John of Austria, who turned tables on the Portuguese and
became Vimaladharmasuriya, was a son of Virasundara Bandara, who had been done
to death by Rajasinha. To his innate ability, he had added the experience in war and
strategy under the Portuguese. In time, he will be another name to reckon with in
the lineage of Sinhala kings.
Thus, Rajasinhas attempted invasion of Kandy was to be his last military expedition.
As disunity among the Sinhalese would have it, his last battle was against another
Sinhala centre of power. And, Rajasinha failed. On his retreat, it is said that he had
the misfortune of a bamboo splinter pricking his foot at Petangeda, and shortly after,
he breathed his last.
If Rajasinhas birth is seen to have had a fault, his end is certainly seem to be tragic.
According to the Sitavaka Rajasinha Rajakalaya (1599) Rajasinhas daughter Menik
Biso Bandara from his chief queen Dedampegei Malvati, had a son named
Rajasuriya, by a Cola prince.
According to the above source, the wound in the kings foot was caused by a blow
from the followers of Rajasurya, and in the guise of treating the wound, Dodamvela
Ganitaya, through his accomplice named Peduru, had poisoned it. The background to
it, is said to be that Rajasurya was having an affair with Dodamvela Ganitayas
daughter, and hastening the death of Rajasinha, would benefit both Rajasurya and
the Ganitaya.
Whether the wound was caused by a blow, or as is better and popularly known by
the pricking of a bamboo, its poisoning is seen to be the cause of death.
If Sitavaka had commenced on a note of conspiracy and tragedy, its end is seen to
be in defeat and remorse, and the repetition of conspiracy and tragedy.
During its brief existence of a little over a three quarters of a century, it forcefully
stamped its presence in the island, due to the brilliance of its two rulers. The
dominating factor seen during the period was the machinations of the Portuguese in
the affairs of the three centres of power, i.e. Kotte, Kandy and Sitavaka. With sword
and bible in either hand, they were willing accomplices in the internal power struggle
among the Sinhalese. Supporting one or the other, as it would suit them best, the
Portuguese fulfilled the wishes of their king and Church with territorial acquisitions,
and conversions in both Kotte and Kandy! they failed only in Sitavaka.
Only if the fractured parts of the Kotte kingdom, could have acted in concert with the
one purpose of getting the Portuguese intruder out, the country would have been
saved of all the diabolical things that Queyroz, their own historian, had to record of
their misdoings in this island. But that was not to be. Disunity amongst the
Sinhalese, and the dominant ambitions of its rulers, with self before country, is seen
as a recurring factor in the history of this island.
History of its two kings
The history of Sitavaka is the history of its two kings, Mayadunne and Rajasinha I.
They were the only two rulers, who fought with grim determination to expel the
Portuguese from the island, but personal glory, internecine warfare, inter and intra
domain intrigue, vacillation and love of lucre among its fighting forces, the lack of
better artillery for siege warfare, the lack of a naval power, and the latter day
intemperance of Rajasinha, prevented them from achieving their objectives. Yet, in
their hey-day, they were looked upon with awe and admiration by the Sinhalese, and
even by their bitter enemies, the Portuguese.
With the death of Rajiasinha, the final obsequies of Sitavaka, was done in quick
succession by Rajasurya and Nikapitiye Bandara, and was concluded by Don Joao at
Colombo alias Dharmapala of Kotte. And, with that, Sitavaka passed into history:
glorious, it could have been, but it was not to be.
[Some sources and publications: Chulavamsa, Rajavaliya, Mandarampura Puvata,
Alkesvara Yuddhaya, Documents published in Aitihasika Sitavaka by Risiman
Amarasinghe, Ceylon: The Portuguese Era by P E Pieris, The Temporal and Spiritual
Conquest of Ceylon by Queyroz, A Short History of Ceylon by Cordrington, Political
History of Kotte by G P V Somaratne, Ceylon and her People by N. E. Weerasooria,
The Kandyan Kingdom by L S Devaraja, Fidalogs in the Kingdom of Kotte by O. M. da
Silva Cosme, Mahanuvara Rajadhaniya by Abhaysinghe, Devaraja and Somaratne,
and University of Peradeniya History of Sri Lanka Vol. II, ed K M de Silva.]






































The Kandyan Kingdom
Conspiracies and assassinations
KINGS OF KANDY
Vimala Dharma Surya I 1590-1604
Senarat 1604-1635
Rajasinha II 1629-1687
Vimala Dharma Surya II 1687-1707
Narendra Sinha 1707-1739
Vijaya Rajasinha 1739-1747
Kirtisri 1747-1781
Rajadhirarajasinha 1781-1798
Sri Vikrama Rajasinha 1798-1815

There had been a number of conspiracies and assassinations during long years of Kandyan
Kingdom. The ruling King closely guarded his kingdom and all subjects had to get
permission to travel out of the Kingdom. Kings officials were given large land grants and
they in turn gave this land to villagers for the purpose of farming.

The conspiracies to assassinate kings in general came mostly from his own nobles and high
priests of the temple. We also find times where they were threatened by foreign powers that
had come to attack the Kandyan Kingdom.

The Island - by Deepthi Anura Jayatunge


The Kandyan kingdom lasted for more than 400 years before falling in to the hands of British in 1815. They banished the
Kandyan King to Madurai and established their rulership. After a period of three years Kandyan nobles realizing that they
had been badly tricked attacked a British Garrison at Uva. This was known as the Uva rebellion. Using this situation to
their advantage the British confiscated the lands of Kandyan chiefs who were against them. Some chiefs were executed
and others were banished to Mauritius and India. Soon after this rebellion the Post of Maha Adikaram and several other
senior posts were given to Molligoda family.

There had been a number of conspiracies and asassinations during long years of Kandyan Kingdom. The ruling King
closely guarded his kingdom and all subjects had to get permission to travel out of the Kingdom. Kings officials were given
large land grants and they in turn gave this land to villagers for the purpose of farming.

The conspiracies to assassinate kings in general came mostly from his own nobles and high priests of the temple. We also
find times where they were threatened by foreign powers that had come to attack the Kandyan Kingdom.

King Rajasinha the Second (1629-1687)

Rebels from Alawwa surrounded the Nillamba castele during King Rajasimha IIs time. To safeguard the life of the King the
ever faithful Matale Aluwihare Wanigasekara Bandara acted as a double for the King risking his life. He wore royal robes
and slept in the kings bed covering his face. Rebels believing he was the king, stabbed him to death. Then they started
looting the royal treasury shouting that the King is dead. After some time they found Aluwihare Bandara missing among
the nobles. Then they suspected that they might have killed the wrong person. It was well known that Aluwihare resembled
the king but was completely toothless. They force opened mouth of the imposter now dead, and found he was completely
toothless. They panicked and wanted to kill rebel leaders who promised them that the king would be an easy prey for
them. Now they knew that they have lost valuable time plundering the royal treasury. By this time the king had gone to a
safe hideout. The timely action of Aluwihare had not only saved kings life but also gave him time to call for his loyal forces
and capture the rebels. When the King went to his royal chambers he saw what had happened to Aluwihare. He started to
cry not being able to bear the death of his kinsman.

He bestowed the rank and name to Aluwihares son. This young Aluvihare served the king and his son King
Wimaladharma II (1687-1707) very faithfully in time to come.
Robert Knox reports a rebellion in 1664 by Ambanwela Rala and he was soon captured. He was sent to the court of
Rajasinha II for punishment. King was so angry and could not think of a suitable punishment. King was advised by his
ministers to send him to the Dutch for his punishment. Cunning Abanwela Rala made friends with Dutch agreeing to
provide them with all the information that they required about the Kandyan kingdom. He was given a large land grant from
Kollupitiya. He became a very rich coconut planter and was given an official burial when he died at a ripe old age. Name
Kollupitiya came in to use after Ambanwela Rala meaning "land that Rala cheated from the Burghers".
King Wimaladharma Surya II (1687-1707)

Young Aluwihare Bandara was very loyal to the king at all times. It is said that King Wimaladharma II son of King
Rajasinha wanted to bring a queen for him from Madurapura. This task was given to Aluwihare Bandara. While she was
being brought she fell from the palanquin in to the water at a seaport while being ferried. Young Wanigasekara Bandara
saved her life by jumping in to the water and catching hold of her by her long hair. She showed her displeasure for being
touched by a person who did not have noble blood. Because of this Queen refused to speak to the King when she was
brought to the Castle. King took Aluwihares side and fully exonerated him for touching the queen. It is said that Aluwihare
then cut his own finger as a self-inflicted punishment for touching the queen, even he did with an idea of saving her life.

King Narendrasinghe (1707-1739)

King Sri Weeraparakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739) was known to be a person who did not take his royal
responsibilities seriously. He was called "Sellan Rajjuruwo" or literally as "the king who loves to play". Once when he was
residing in Nillamba he used to swim and dive to a water tank specially kept for him near the Mahaweli River. One day just
before he jumped king saw a kingfisher sitting on water. He got his guards to investigate and found several sharp spikes
fitted to the waterbed to instantly kill him when he dived. During the night the water level had dropped and one of the
spikes had been jutting out making it possible for the kingfisher to sit upon it.
King Vijaya Rajasinha (1739-1747)
Sri Vijaya Rajasinha ascended the throne of Kandy and sought a wife from South India. For this purpose he sent
messengers to Madurai in 1739. Since the Nayaks had now lost the power and prestige they enjoyed in the days of
Vijayaranga Cokkanatha, the members of the family thought it advisable and even desirable to accept the offer from the
king of Kandy.
Two brothers Rama Krishnappa Nayaka and Narenappa Nayaka, who were kinsmen of Bangaru Tirumala Nayaka made
their way to Ramand to meet the Kandyan envoys. Narenappa had a daughter of marriageable age. The brothers now
dispossessed and landless, agreed to the Kandyan request and with their families, they accompanied the envoys to
Ceylon. There was little to hope for in South India, and once Narenappa Nayaka came over to Ceylon for his daughter's
nuptial, he showed no wish to return but settled instead in Kandy with his kith and kin. He was destined to be not only the
father-in-law of one king, but the father of the next two kings of Kandy; for his two sons, the one five or six years old in
1740, and the other still an infant were successively to succeed Sri Vijaya Rajasinha.

The process of linking Kandy with Madurai did not stop here for seven years later in 1747, Sri Vijaya Rajasinha married
another Madurai princess.

The king, however, died childless soon after, having nominated as his successor, his eldest brotherin-law who had been
living in the court ever since his sister had married the king. Thus by this peculiar mode of succession the son of
Narenappa Nayaka who claimed kingship with the ruling Madurai Nayak family now ascended the throne of Kandy as Kirti
Sri Rajasinha. (17471781).

King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha (1747-1781)

Maha Adigar of the King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha conspired with priests at Malwatta Viharaya and tried to assassinate the
king. They tried to make him fall in to a pit fitted with spikes dug at Malwatta Viharaya in 1760. But fortunately king was
warned in advance by Galagoda Dissawa and priest Hulangamuwe Buddarakkitha. Complete details of this conspiracy
was published in The island on 27th November 1999.

King Rajadi Rajasinghe (1781-1798)

King Rajadi Rajasinghe used to visit his Queen "Siriyammal" at Malwatta. He used to go there without any escort, during
the night on horse back. His Maha Adigar Pilimatalawe was also permitted to go to Siriyammals palace as he was
managing the place and looking into their daily requirements. After some time Queen and Maha Adigar developed a strong
desire for each other. It is said that he is the father of Queens son Kannasamy who later became the king. Subsequently
as the king had a strong suspicion as to what was going on he gave an order that Pilimatalawe must not go to Malwatta
hereafter, where the queen resided. As a further precaution, King also gave his royal sword to his younger son
Kannasamy and gave him authority to kill any intruder to the Queens chambers. After few days king went there in the
night as usual. When Kannasamy challenged him in the dark, king could not utter any word as he was suffering from a
severe cold. Young Kannasamy killed the king by mistake thinking he was an intruder. When Adigar Pilimatalawe was
informed they staged that king has fallen from the horse and cut his own head accidentally. He used his power as the
Maha Adigar and strategically made Kannasamy the king and covered up the whole story.

Last King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798-1815)

Young Kannasamy who became the last king had to face a lot of conspiracies. First he had to execute Chief Adigar
Pilimatalawe for attempting to murder him. This was followed by a series of executions ending with the family of Ehalepola.
This happened when Adigar Ehalepola escaped and joined the British and failed to surrender after 3 weeks of notice. With
Ehalepola sending secret letters to remaining leaders British were able to invade and capture the fleeing king. King was
banished to Madurai and died as a royal prisoner. He was living on a small allowance given to him and his two queens by
the British Government. It is claimed that this allowance was paid to his next-of-kin for next 156 years and stopped only
when Sri Lanka regained its sovereignty.

In his letters written to Kandyan leaders in 1813, two years before the fall of kingdom, Ehalepola confirms that British had
agreed to hand over Kandyan kingdom back to Kandyans within twenty-five years. He was much heart broken and refused
the Maha Adigar post offered to him under the British. The Kandyan dynasty ended in 1815 when the entire country fell
into the hands of British due to the power hunger and envy among our Sinhalese leaders.

References-Kandyan Kingdom By Dr. Mrs. Lorna Devaraja PhD Madyama Lanka Purawrutha By Rajakeeya
Panditha Nawulle Dhammananda.























Vimala Dharma Suriya I of Kandy
In 1582 Virasundara Bandara a Kandyan Chief
assisted Rajasinha I of Sitavaka (Sitavaka
Rajasinha, it was at his hands that the
Portuguese suffered their first major military
defeat in Asia, and later he beseiged the
Portuguese in their Fort in Colombo) in his
successful war against the Kandyans. Later as
a result of an uprising by the Kandyans in
favour of Virasundara Bandara he was put to
death by Rajasinha.
Virasundara Bandara's son Konappu Bandara
escaped to the Portuguese and was baptised a
christian and renamed Don Juan. In 1592 the
Portuguese marched on Kandy with Don Juan
and occupied it. The same year Don Juan who
was a Kandyan was approached by the
Kandyan chiefs and turned tables on the Portuguese, ordering them to quit their
posts or expect no quarter. They had no option and capitulated.
In 1592 Konappu Bandara baptised as Don Juan, abandoned Christianity and was
crowned by the Kandyans, Vimala Dharma Suriya I of Kandy. He married Princess
Kusumasana ( who had also been baptised as Dona Catherina) the daughter of the
former king of Kandy, Karaliadde Bandara.
Vimala Dharma Suriya I as all the other Kandyan rulers controlled the East Coast
with Trincomalee and Batticaloa the chief
ports of the Kandyan Kingdom.
On 2nd June 1602 Admiral Joris van
Spilbergen came on land at
Santhamuruthu in the East coast and
was met by the Kings Dissawa. In July
the above meeting took place between
the Admiral and Vimala Dharma Suriya I
of Kandy. The king and the Kandyan
court spoke Portuguese and Spilbergen
records that he was welcomed the
Portuguese, not Sinhalese fashion.
In November 1602 three Dutch ships
came to anchor in Batticaloa. These were
part of the combined fleet of fourteen
ships under the command of Admiral
Wijbrand van Waarwijk. The Vice
Admiral, Sebald de Weert, went ashore
Reception of Admiral Joris Spilbergh (left) at the
court of the Maharaja of Candia (Ceylon) (
Center with hat in hand ) July 1602
(Museum voor Land en Volkenkunde
Rotterdam)

at Batticaloa where he was well received by the local King and from whence he
proceeded to Kandy to see the King who greeted him with much honour and
friendship.
The Vice Admiral, Sebald de Weert, returned to Ceylon in April 1603. The Kings
ambassador, Mudaliyar Emanuel Dias who had accompanied the Vice Admiral from
1602 to 1603 informed the King that Sebald de Weert had, against his advice
released some Portuguese who had been captured when the dutch had seized four
Portuguese vessels. The King who was in Bintenne at the time, was furious and
made his way to Batticaloa.
During a meeting between the King and De Weert in Batticaloa, De Weert's
behaviour was seen to be insulting to the King. The King rose immediately and
seething with anger called to his men " Bandapan Mae Balla " ( bind this Dog ). In
the ensuing struggle the Prince of Uva gashed the Vice Admirals Head with his
sword, killing him instantly.
Extract from Dr. R.K.De Silva's "Illustrations and views of Dutch Ceylon 1602 - 1796"














Rajasinghe-II of Senkadagala
by S. B. Karalliyaade
(The Island) Sixth December marks the 313th death anniversary of yet another
monarch of the Kandyan Kingdom, a war hero and a fearless fighter who waged
several wars to free the country from Portuguese and Dutch domination. Like
Rajasinghe 1 of Sitawaka, Rajasinghe II of Senkadagala too has left many an
indelible marks in the history of this land. His services to Buddhism, Sinhala race and
culture and the language is unparalleled in the history of the nation.
Having ascended to the throne in 1635 at the age of 27, he ruled for 52 years, and
died at 79 years on 6th December 1687. The Senkadagala Kingdom established in
1463 by its founder Sena Samantha Wickramabahu, had as its last Sinhala Monarch
Narendrasinghe up to 1739. The period beginning from 1592 up to the time of the
enthroning of Wimaladharmasuriya, was a period of turmoil and constant wars in the
Kingdom. There were threats to peace in the country, both from Rajasinghe of
Sitawaka and the Portuguese, as a result of which the people of the Kingdom had to
spend most of their time in the battlefield. It was natural in this background for any
creative work - art and literature - to be retarded in its progress. Even Buddhism was
gradually losing its prominence in the Sinhala society. Educational Institutions in the
Kotte era such as Totagamuwe, Vidagama and Keragala monastries were gradually
fading away, and when it came to the period of Senkadagala Kingdom there were no
educational Institutions to improve the knowledge in arts, religion and other fields.
Even Senerath who succeeded Wimaladharmasuriya had to spend most of his time in
the battlefield warding off Portuguese encroachment. It was in this background that
Rajasinghe 11 had to face Azavedo in the battle of Randeniwela and show his valour
as a soldier. Arts and literature in the Kandyan kingdom received a boost during the
period of his reign from 1634 to 1684 for nearly half a century. It was during this
period that a separate Department for state correspondence was set up. The seven
types of documents that were preserved in the custody of this department were
Sannas, Tudapath, Seettu, Divi Seettu, Wattoru, Vittipoth and Thalapath. Hence it is
observed that it was during this period that the practice of documentation and
keeping records of important national events commenced. The king had to devote
most of his time to preserve the territorial integrity of the kingdom and arts and
religion had to take a back seat. The famous Sinhala poet Alagiyawanna Mukaveti
lived during this period and some of the best creations of Sinhala literature saw the
light of the day during this period. Subasitaya, Sevul Asna ^iejq,a wiak) &
Kusajathakaya, Parangi Hatana are some of these works. The king himself was a
lover of literature and a poet who encouraged writing. Viridu recitals were introduced
to Sinhala literature during his rule.
Another poet, Kirimatiyawe Mohattala who lived during this time introduced "Viridu"
to Sinhala literature. The king was so fond of poetry that poets were readily
accommodated in his royal court. He gave them land as royal grants. Satan Kavi,
Nelum Kavi, Pel Kavi were added to the Sinhala literature during this period. The
king was conversant in both Portuguese and Dutch languages and encouraged the
writing of books. The king had a habit of travelling in the country in civilian garb to
see for himself how his subjects were faring. On such a visit to Talagune in Uda
Dumbara, he saw a village damsel and recited a poem impromptu.
It was during this reign that Buddhist Jataka Stories were recited in the form of
Sinhala poems. Kusa Jataka was one such story. This Sinhala poem is still in the
memory of the Sinhala masses.
The king was fond of wild animals and he had a zoo in Senkadagala. It is said that
the king often visited Bintanne in search of animals for his zoo. He got these animals
through Veddas in Bintanne. The king maintained a stable of horses brought from
Arabia. The Dutch dominated trade in the sea coast, in terms of an agreement
signed with king Senerath. The Dutch had the intention of monopolising the trade
activities in the eastern coast too. The Portuguese General Constantine De Saa who
was in Ceylon was planning to break the trade monopoly of the Dutch. De Saa was
interested in the Trincomalee Harbour as they could survey all ships coming to the
Eastern coast from their fortress on the Koneswaram Hill. The king attacked the
fortress in 1622, and annexed Trincomalee to the Kandyan kingdom.
Constantine De Saa who anticipated attacks when his forces were sent to Badulla
through Balana decided to march through Wellawaya. The Portuguese set fire to the
city of Badulla, and on their return they were confronted at Randeniwela where fierce
fighting took place. De Saa who was shot with an arrow by a Sinhala soldier, had his
head severed. His head was brought before the king and displayed. The Portuguese
retreated after this battle and four Lascarin chiefs of the battalion, Don Alexio, Don
Thiodisgo, Don Cosmo Kulatunga and Don Balthasa joined the Sinhalese troops. It
was difficult for the Portuguese to find a suitable successor to De Saa for some time,
and finally they sent Diago De Mello. De Mello took in to his custody an elephant
belonging to the king, and the king was so angry over the incident that took by force
two horses belonging to De Mello. De Mello asked the king to return his horses but
the king asked Mello to bring his elephant to Kandy and remove his two horses. De
Mello, dissatisfied with the order of the king, challenged the king to war with him and
engaged a kafir troop to battle for him. Fierce fighting broke out at Gannoruwa on
28th March 1638 and all the troops except 33 Portuguese soldiers were killed in the
battle. The remaining Portuguese also joined the Sinhalese. The heads of all who
died in this battle were heaped together making it difficult to identify the head of De
Mello. Only his sword was identified. The king was overjoyed at this victory and
offered his golden throne and sword to Dodanwela Devalaya. After this battle the
Portuguese never set eyes on the Kandyan Kingdom. Like Rajasinghe 1 of Sitawake,
Rajasinghe 11 of Senkadagala is also recorded as a great fighter in the annals of the
history of our country. Rajasinghe 11 with his father Senerath and cousins
Kumarasinghe and Wijepala fought the Mulleriyawa battle in 1624, Battle of Jaffna in
1628, battle of Randeniwela in 1630 and the Gannoruwa battle in 1638 according to
record, to free the land from foreign domination.
Strict security measures were introduced to guard the kingdom. It was during his
regime that guards were placed at the entrance to the kingdom. Nalanda, Rattota,
Kaikawala, Hulangamuwa, Kadawathgama, Balakaduwa, Girihagama, Kadawatha,
Avissawella, Ulapane, Kadugannawa were some of the posts known as "Kadawatha".
A toll was collected from outsiders entering the kingdom. This toll fee was known as
"Madige Badda". Those entering through Kadawatha had to go through the
Totamunas at Gatambe, Paranagantota, Meewatura, Gonawatte. After Totamuna was
the Wahalkada or gate. The eastern Wahalkada was at Buwelikada, the western one
near Kataragama Devale, Nothern in Trincomalee street near the present Municipal
office and the Southern gate near the present Katukele Gana Devi kovila. Those in
charge of Totamuna and Wahalkada were known as Katupulle troops. Those in
charge of Kadawath were known as Atapattu troops. These troops were in charge of
the Prime Minister. The Adigar of Pallegampaha was the Prime Minister. The king was
able to annex the Portuguese ports of Batticaloa, Negombo and Trincomalee to his
kingdom. In 1641 he also annexed the Galle port having chased the Portuguese
away. It was during his regime that the Portuguese were driven away and the Dutch
invited to the country, on account of which the popular proverb b=re ,d ia .;a;d
jf.a came into usage.
The king was not only a warrior and an able administrator but a hunter well-versed
in the use of bow and arrow, a poet and a nature lover and above all a ruler who
personally visited the villages to observe their living conditions.
One day the king was going to the Nilambe area through a path frequented by a wild
buffalo. A man who saw the king advised him not to take that path. The king smiled
and walked forward. Just then they heard the wild buffalo approaching the king. The
man hurriedly climbed a Kitul tree and covered his eyes. The king used his bow and
arrow and struck the animal down in one shot. The man on the tree looked below to
see what had happened to the king. To his surprise he saw the wild buffalo dead on
the ground and the king standing near the buffalo. When the man walked up to the
king, the king removed the pair of buffalo horns and asked the man to bring it to the
palace the following day. It was only when he went to the palace that he realised
that the man he saw was the king himself. The king granted him a village and an
honorary title "Angammana Ranpathhida Divakara Mudiyanse". The village
Angammana in Kandy district Uda Palatha Kandukara Pahala Korale.
The king was a short stout person who grew a beard, who had little hair on his head.
He was a fearless warrior. The famous astrologer Diyakelinawala who cast his
horoscope has predicted that he would be a brave and illustrious ruler of Ceylon. He
was also known as Bintanne Deviyo as he was believed to have been born in
Devamedda in Bintanne. When there were threats to his life, he left his palace in
Nilambe, to Hanguranketha and Medamahanuwara to escape from the enemy. His
illustrious and colourful life ended after a rule of 52 years on 6th December 1687.
The nation is indebted to him for freeing the country from Portuguese and Dutch
invaders.(@ The Island)












Kandyan Kingdom - King
Keerthi Sri Rajasinha and
British Envoy John Pybus
(@ The Island; by Deepthi Anura Jayatunge)
Summary
John Pybus writer of English East India Company Met King Keerthi Sri
Rajasinghe in 1762, as the King wanted to expel the Dutch with the
assistance of the British. John Pybus gives a comprehensive description of
the King. The golden State sword seen by Pybus possibly is the one now
displayed in Rijkx Mesueam in Netherlands, and the King`s garments could
now be seen at the Dalada Maligawa museum. This article also gives an over
view of sound foreign policy adopted by the of the Kandyan kingdom during
1762 British Negotiations.
King Narendrasinghe (1707-1730) of Kundasale was the last Sinhalese King to rule
Kandy. He married Malabar queen Udumulle Devi who was the elder sister of Sri
Wijaya Rajasinghe (1739-1747) who ruled from Hanguranketha. King Wijaya
Rajasingha was married to the elder sister of King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-
1782). King Keerthi Sri Rajasinhas own brother, Rajadi Rajasinghe (1782-1796)
ruled Kandy after him.
In 1796 King of Kandy, Rajadi Rajasinghe was deposed and Kannasami, son of a
sister of one of his queens was raised to the throne by first Adigar Pilimatalawe
under the name of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The new king was but eighteen years
old. This misdeed cost Adigar Pilimathalawe his head and Adigar Ehelepola his
honour. Many other Kandyans who got caught in this power struggle lost both.

Mutthusami executed in 1803
Main while the rival element to the throne Mutthusami or Buddasami, whose three
sisters had married the disposed King, fled to the British territory and was accorded
a residence in Jaffna. British Governor North put the Mutthusami on the throne when
he took Kandy in February 1803. Subsequently Captain Davis and his troops
surrendered to army of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and Mutthusami was executed
along with his brother in 1803.
Mampitiya Wahala Bandara executed in 1812
King Keerthi Sri married the two daughters of the grand son of the King of Tanjore
and had four children (three daughters and one son). He also married the daughter
of Mampitiya Disawa and had five children including Mampitiya Wahala Bandara who
was subsequently executed by King Sri Wickrama in 1812, at Hunukotuwa near
Gatambe, claiming that he may usurp the Kingdom. Mampitiya Bandara who lived in
retirement at Mampitiya was brought to Kandy few years ago and became
Diyawadana Nilame of Maligawa. He was accused of writing secret letters to
Ehelepola at Sabaragamuwa (Rathnapura). Another crime which he was charged was
incest with his sister of which the King had before warned him, but he did not desist.
Marumakkathayam law of Malabar
The throne passed almost always from father to the son born to a Maheshi, or from
brother to brother. But in Sri Lanka it so happened that the throne was passed over
to the brother-in-law who earlier had no claim to it. But this happened only when the
King did not have any legal heirs to the throne.
According to Dr Devaraja, Professor of History, the choice of the brothers-in-law (Sri
Wijaya and Keerthi Sri Rajasinha) was influenced by Marumakkathayam`EC law
prevailing among the Nayaks settled in Malabar. Here fathers were practically
ignored in the law, and descent was traced entirely through the mothers. This law
allowed nephews or elder brother or a kinsman of the female side to succeed to the
leadership.

East India Company founded in 1600
The English East India Company Founded by charter in 1600, was granted a
monopoly of trade in the East Indies. In 1635 Courteen Association or "Assada
Merchants " were also granted, for financial consideration, a license by Charles 1, to
participate in the Eastern Trade. This rivalry followed by the troubles of the English
Civil war 1642-48 was disastrous to the interests of both companies. When the
commonwealth was established the exclusive rights of the company had virtually
disappeared and what little was left was lost in the war with Dutch. In 1657 after this
war Cromwell brought about a new company with a fresh charter. The Company was
recognised on a joint stock basis and vested with monopoly of the Eastern trade. The
1657 Charter and the five charters, which were subsequently granted by Charles 11,
laid the foundation of the Companys fortunes in India. The latter half of the
seventeenth century in particular was a period of unprecedented prosperity.
Since the Dutch were well established in the East Indies, English efforts from the
beginning were centred in India. Fort St. George (Madras) was founded in 1639,
while Fort William , was subsequently to grow up in to the city of Calcutta, was
founded near the mouth of the Ganges in 1651. In 1661, Bombay was acquired, by
the English from Portugal.

Governor of Fort St George, George Baron Pigot (b
1719-1777)
George Pigot, Governor Fort St George Madras was requested
to send a person from there to Kandyan court by King Keerthi
Sri for assistance against his enemies, the Dutch. King has
appointed a Council of Adigars and Dissawas to meet and
negotiate with Pybus. Main idea of British had been to obtain
the monopoly of trading in Cinnamon, Pepper, Beetle Nut
(puwak) from Kandyan Kings and in the course to expel Dutch
from their fortifications.
George Baron Pigot (1719-1777) became the Governor and
Commander in Chief in 1755. He stoutly defended Madras
against French (1758-1759). He was arrested and deposed by
his counsel in 1776 and died in Madras.
John Pybus
John Pybus was born in 1728, and served in the East India Company as a writer, and
met King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha in 1762. He was 34 years old and was described as a
man of tolerable stature, reddish in complexion and very brisk in his movements.
Reason to call on British for assistance by the Kandyan King in 1762
After the treaty of Paris, the Dutch were able to pour troops into Sri Lanka. They
were bent on capturing Kandy from six directions (1764). And anticipating such a
scenario King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha had sent an envoy to the English Governor of
Madras to assist him to expel Dutch.
Kandyan envoy in Madras
This envoy, a junior Kandyan Official in military service (person commanding around
60 men), did not carry any letter for fear of it falling into Dutch hands, and the
English responded by sending their councillor Mr Pybus. The English declared that
King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha was an independent Sovereign, with the right to
negotiate with whomever he thought fit.
The Dutch had placed spies in Kandy and they were kept informed of all the
movements of the English man since his arrival in Trincomalee harbor. The English
had sailed in five ships and the Kandyan Mohandiram had a suite of about 200 men
and as a result the Dutch could not use any force to capture him even on his return
trip from Kandy. Dutch Commander Rein in Trincomalee reported to Governor Van
Eck that his spies informed him that the court dignitaries were disinclined to
negotiate with him (Pybus) but the King was favorable to his propositions.
Route Taken by John Pybus to Kandy
A British vessel brought Pybus to Trincomalee on 5th May 1762. Early morning he
set foot at Muttur, and travelled through woods to Periaveli, Malikaturu, Menakam

The statue of King Keerthi Sri
wearing his crown, manthe,
shirt and saravalaya at
Dambulla Temple
and Kilivedi and halted for that day. On the next day he reached the banks of
Mahaweli ganga and crossed over to Sungaveli. He went past Giritale, Padupitiya,
Minneriya and crossed Kirioya at Notchiyakulan and the to Gonawa. From there he
went to Naula and Nalanda on 15th May. He was taken to Palapathwela, and entered
the Kandyan Country and was first housed in Gannoruwa. Then in kandy, On 24 th
May 1762 he was brought ceremonially before the King. After several discussion with
King and palace officials such as Adikaram and Dissawas he left Kandy on 21st June
1762, with out making any conclusive promises claiming that he has no such
authority but will place the request made by the king before the Madras Council.
King gave him a ring, sword, a gold chain with breast jewels and left the country
crossing the river at puttalam pass. He came to Cottiar, Trincomalee on 3 rd July
1762 and went aboard "Falmouth" to return to Madras. The Dissawa who
accompanied "Pybus" presented the ships commander "Admiral Cornish" a gold chain
and a ring in the name of King "Keerthi Sri Rajasinha ".
Attack On Dutch Forts by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha
In 1761 King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha attacked the Dutch garrisons and forts at Matara,
Katuwana, Tangalle, Marakade and Urubokke, completely destroying them, and
killing Dutch prisoners surrendered.
In order to revenge the humiliation, the new Dutch Governor Van Eck (1762-1765)
had immediate plans to attack Kandy, which he did in 1764 and in 1765. His army
was under the command of Colonel Jan Jurgen Feber and with Van Eck, he being in
supreme command.
Following the attack on the Dutch forts in 1761, the weakness in fortification and
garrison forbade the of force by the Dutch. Hence, in the early part of 1763 the
Dutch were only consolidating their positions and gradually expelling Kandyans from
the territories taken over from Dutch. Throughout 1763 the King continually sought
peace and sent his envoys to discuss terms. The Governor wished the King to cede
the three four and seven Korales and Puttlam and hand over the entire coastline of
island to the Dutch. The king was not agreeable to any demand that diminished his
sovereignty and was deliberately delaying a settlement hoping for help from the
English after his discussion and negotiations with John Pybus (1762).
Spices - Cinnamon
Phybus also reported that valuable spices grow mainly in Colombo and Matara area.
In the year 1761 Salagama people was ordered by the King to destroy all the
cinnamon they had collected and come up to Kandy and now employed in paddy
plantation. Peeling cinnamon was considered a very dangerous job because of the
attacks of elephants, wild buffalos, and tigers and the other beasts roaming in these
areas.
Elephants
Dutch also traded in elephants and exported them with much profit. But as the King
reserves the sole prerogative of catching these animals, the Dutch was obliged as an
matter of formality to make application to the King annually for his permission, which
always granted to them, under a restriction not to exceed such a number, generally
limited between 20 and 30.
Little regard was however paid to this restriction and Pybus was informed that the
Dutch do not catch less than 150 some times 200 in one year from Mathra, Colombo
& Jaffna areas where the animals are caught mainly. Dutch paid for the people for
the trouble in catching them at the rate of 50 Rijkx Dollars for Tuskers and 25 for the
elephants.
Kandyan King
The country has plenty and great variety of timber with great height and size for
natives to make buildings from this timber. The King still maintains the authority of a
free and independent Sovereign prince and does actually exercise such authority in
most absolute manner in every other part of his dominion.
Imports to Kandy in 1762
Kandyan people needed few imported items like silk, tea, sugar, candy, chinaware,
and Japanese copper from Batavia, Iron and steel for knives, mamootys, musket
barrels, and lances. For items imported from Bengal, cloth etc. The Dutch had
imposed an import duty of 15%. The Ceylonese had little money and barter system
prevailed mostly.
Dutch further did pearl fishery on the Bay of Trincomalee and dug for precious stones
such as sapphires, topazes and rubies at Matara and Colombo. They also sold arrack
according to John Pybus thus completing the systematic destruction of this paradise
Island.
King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha
Pybus claims that the present king (1762) has three daughters and a son, is the first
of four succeeding ones who had had any issue, in default queens brother or nearest
relation succeeds to the throne. It is a custom among them to have the Queen from
some part of the coast of Coromandel and of Gentoo caste (Telugu speaking Hindus)
and brought from Madras, Tanjore, or Mysore. King is between thirty andforty years
of age, and has three wives all from the coast, whose father, the brother and
relations came as usual; but the brothers have since been sent back to their own
country, on the discovery of a plot laid against the Kings life by the father of one
wives, in favour of his son. The present king is from Madura country and when as a
child of four years of age came over with his father mother and other relations, at
the time his sister came to be married to King Vijaya Rajasinha.
Guns and gun powder
Kandyans had Harquebusses and Pedrero or mounted gingals (small cannons) for
firing 4 to 8 ounce balls and King had two carriage mounted cannons at his palace.
They manufacture gunpowder with saltpeter near Matale from dung of certain bats
and human urine, but brimstone must be imported.

War with Dutch
Pybus was amazed as to how the kandyans had managed to fight a war with Dutch
and had captured Matara Dutch Fort. He wrote that "They had put every European to
the sword except two officers who are now prisoners of the country."
"The Galagoda adigar who captured Matara thinking himself very formidable with
number of great guns he had found in fort, and that he can maintain his grounds
posted himself on the sea coast with few rebels of Matara. He was surprised by a
detachment of 200 Europeans, which were landed in the night from some ships sent
from Colombo captured back all his cannons. at present Dutch are confined with in
their forts being continuously harassed by the Sinhalese."
In his report to George Pigot pybus confirms that " I avoided thought with much
difficulty making any conclusive promises engagements or agreements subjecting
every proposal of mind and demand of theirs to your resolution and determination. I
found they expected in return for my any indulgencies or privileges granted to us ,
that we should assist them both by sea and land against Dutch, which was not only
contrary to your declared intention, but in consistent likewise with in the treaties
subsisting with in the two nations. He also observed that King himself entertains an
implacable enmity against the Dutch and would almost agree to any term to induce
us to drive Dutch off the island.
Report of Dutch Commander Rein of Trincomalee
On the 1 st of May 1762, the English Admiral Cornish arrived at Trincomalee with
five ships and asked permission to enter the inner bay since some of them needed
repairs, which was granted by the Dutch. Soon they learnt that a Kandyan Envoy had
come with them from Madras and had gone towards Kandy with an Englishman. The
Dutch set guards on the shores and a small vessel to prevent any small boat leaving
the bay. However, Rein did not believe these reports from the spies as Admiral
Cornish had been a stern commander and been very friendly towards the Dutch and
refusing to entertain any request from Sinhalese.
Very soon Rein was informed, from Nagapatam, that the British Envoy had now
reached Gannoruwa and had not had an audience yet with the King; and this made
him double his guards. However, Admiral Cornish entirely denied the report when
encountered. On the Englishmans return from Kandy, the spies informed Rein that
an English long boat had left the Trincomalee inner bay heading for Coetjaar possibly
to pick the English man. Admiral Cornish was advised not to land there as the Dutch
Company had exclusive possession of the Island. Cornish replied that he must seek
provision for his men and if the Dutch would supply them he would abandon this
project. To this, Rein made a protest in writing understanding his weakness in
fortification and garrisons that stops him from using any form of force over the
English.
Since then, Rein received reports that three mast English vessels were sighted and
the `ECFalmouth`EC with Cornish on board had sailed to meet them, and then
anchoring near Coetjaer. An Englishman had then come to Coetjaer and had
embarked in one of the ships , been accompanied and seen off by the Dissawa (
Governor of a Kandyan Province ) of Thamblegam. The vessel Falmouth was a 499
toner in service between 1752 to 1764 and finally completed 5 voyages for the East
India Company.
Protest Made by Van Eck ( 1762-1765 ) Dutch Governor to George Pigot of Madras
Immediately the Dutch Governor Lubbert Jan Van Eck ( 1762-1765 ) protested to
George Pigot, the English President and Governor of Madras, and informed him that
no English vessel will be permitted to enter Trincomalee Bay until the States General
decides on the matter. However, Van Eck sent separate orders to Rein at
Trincomalee that this order obviously does not apply to English ships in distress.
Van Eck further complained that Admiral Cornish, who stayed in the Bay of
Trincomalee for more than two months and received all possible assistance from
Dutch, took advantage of his indulgence and facilities to set an English envoy ashore.
Reply given by English to Van Eck
On this threat, the commissioners of the English Company admitted ( to Van der
hoop at Amsterdam ) that they had sent someone to the king. Obviously they have
refused his first invitation to do so, until the King had declared that if they would not
come, he would call in someone else. After they sent someone, they found that the
King desired their help against the Dutch, and therefore he broke off all negotiations
with the King. And further their envoy has now left the Kandyan court.
Further Protests of Van Eck 1763
Van Eck`EDs protests also reached Mr Doreen of East India House who advised the
Earl of Sandwich, in a letter dated 3 rd November 1763 stating that `EC It is very
extraordinary that the Dutch Company should desire us to send further orders to
prevent acts of Violence in India. We do positively order and direct that you do not
commit any hostility or act of violence against Dutch Company agents: on the
contrary, you are to use your best endeavors to cultivate, a good understanding with
them. It being our sincere desire, and intention that the Dutch Company shall enjoy
Freedom of Trade, Safety and Protection equally with ourselves.`EE
This matter concerning the negotiation between English and Kandyans even reached
the attention of His Highness the Majesty. The Lord XVII has advised H.H.M. who
instructed his minister at the British Court to make the necessary representations,
and that the Majesty has the hope that no further support will be given to the
Kandyan court , at least openly, since the Directors of the English Company have
declared that they have ordered Madras to abstain from all further negotiations with
King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha ( 1747-1782 ).
Attack on Kandy By Van Eck ( 1764 )
It seems that Dutch Governor Van Eck took all possible precautions and assurance
from the English in order to embark on his attack on Kandy in 1764. His campaign
failed miserably as the Dutch Garrison could not reach even Kandy. However he kept
a garrison at Gonavila, which he intended to use as a base for future operations. The
first Adigar Galagoda who was the Dissawa of Seven Korales in which Gonavila lay
was especially interested to ensure that the place be evacuated. But Major Pierre
Duffo who was in Command successfully repulsed him.
Second attack on Kandy by Van Eck 1765 AD
Van Eck, on his second campaign, reached Katugasthota and the King sent a
delegation headed by newly appointed First Adigar Pilimatalawe for negotiations. The
ambassador was received with royal honors but any self-respecting monarch could
not agree to the demands made by Van Eck. The Governor felt that the King was
dragging the negotiations and ordered the looting of the city. The booty was so rich
and consisted of finest linen, precious stones, gold, silver, jewels etc. Van Eck even
looted the riches that the pious devotees had offered Dalada Maligawa. Buried
behind the palace was the silver covering of the relic casket weighing 210 pounds.
The Governor melted the casket and distributed this silver among his soldiers , after
carrying this to Colombo. He also took the golden state sword ( seen by Pybus ) from
the palace and this is now in display at Rijkx museaum in Netherlands stating that
gold sword acquired by Van Eck in his 1765 campaign owned by King of kandy
Keerthi Sri Rajasinha.
Death of Van Eck
Van Eck was soon to pay the price for his victory and plunder and soon died as a
very unhappy man. As the king had gone to Uva , Van Eck now had to return back to
Colombo and his retreating army was attacked at Vishnavaya and Gonavila. It is said
that the disappointment had more to do with his death than his illness. The
Chulavansa says `EC Van Eck left Kandy, fled with out prestige and landed in the
fire.`EE
Original Letter brought by Pybus ( 1762 )
When Van Eck took Kandy in 1765 the original letter from Madras brought by Phybus
was found in the looted palace. This letter stated that Mr Phybus on his arrival would
inform duly whatever the proposals that the English had discussed with Mohandiram
Oedejaar (Junior Kandyan Official) at Madras.
Pybus proposed the following articles to the King, for his determination and requiting
permission for :
English East India Company to establish a settlement in Ceylon ,
English to buy cinnamon on same conditions as Dutch did ,
Pepper & Betel nut to be sold only to British here after ,
The Kings subject be given have authority to sell their goods to British
That they be prohibited to trade with other merchants ( Dutch , Muslims )
Kings approval for English to buy timber, and employ local labor for construction of
their forts.
Construct or demolish any building that they may require at any place as they wish
to build their fortifications,
Deserters or run-a ways from English Settlements to be returned back to British
(relating mainly to runaway criminals and slaves.)
That English Law prevails at English settlements
Provisions & Transportation ( carriage Bullocks ) to be provided to British for Troops
that are deployed by King for his services
Kings approval for British Officers to travel on horseback or in Palanquin when
traveling with in the country.
Batta to be paid to them ( when they are in kings services) based on amounts paid
to them while in field as allowed to them in the coast of Coromandel , India.
Any military stores broken or lost in the King`EDs services to be paid up by the King.
Some Districts in Ceylon to be given to British to cover their military expenses
relating to their fortifications etc, by taxing the inhabitants.
Reply Given by the King to 14 articles submitted by Pybus
For this King Replied as follows, and his letter was dated 24 June 1762,
No answer was given regarding the English Settlement to be established,
King stated that English should employ Kandyan peelers at one pagoda per month.
He also explained that Dutch employed cinnamon peelers who made it a practice to
steal the cinnamon and to complain to Dutch that Kandyans molested them.
King agreed that pepper & Betel should be freely traded with British
Kings subjects were permitted to freely trade with British
Reply did not mention regarding trade embargos with others traders,
English to buy timber & employ local labor to construct their fortifications.
They were permitted to construct or demolish any building in this process,
Deserters to be returned (both ways)
English Law to Prevail at English Settlements that are to be established,
Provisions & Transportation to be provided by the King to English troops when
deployed on Kings orders,
British officers to travel on horse back or palanquins as they wish,
Article on batta payment to troops was not mentioned in the King`EDs reply
This article to compensate for military losses was refused by the king as the English
will be given all,( once the Dutch are expelled, ) Dutch forts , Guns , Arms ,
Treasures and some districts for the use of fort Trincomalee,
District to cover British military expenses was refused, as their normal trading hence
permitted should cover these expenses,( from their trading profits.)
Further Proposals of Kandyans
The Kandyans further proposed the following clauses for British for implementation
once the Treaty is finalized,
Joint action against all invaders in future
Joint investigation of disputes in frontiers both British & Kandy,
Kandyan ships , to be assisted at English Settlements
Criminals who are taking refuge in English Settlements to be returned back to Kandy
The English to Import goods that are needed by Kandyans
( Mutilated )
The English to send yearly embassy to Kandyan King with presents
The Kandyan court to have their agents in English settlements
1602 AD and 1638 AD Dutch treaties with Emperor Senarath & King Rajasinghe
Pybus requested that he be furnished with the original treaties with Dutch or copies
of them and these treaties were read to him. Dutch treaties concluded earlier was on
similar lines and 1602 AD treaty had 45 articles and the important ones being,
They should faithfully help each other against all enemies especially against
Portuguese.
Others were mainly on permission to built fortresses, Dutch to have their agents in
Kandyan Court , Permission to trade with Dutch , Permission for Kings subject to
trade with Dutch , King to provide wood for building of their ships , to release all
Dutch prisoners held by the King , that Dutch law prevails at Dutch Settlements ,
pearls only to be sold to Dutch , Emperor Senarath should only mint money and no
one else , any counterfeiters to be punished by the pain of death etc.
This treaty was then sent to Batavia for ratification through Marcellus Boschhouuvers
( Styled great prince of Negambo ) but he died in the return journey in 1618. He was
unable to obtain the concurrence of Dutch for this treaty but managed to negotiate
with Danes and floated the Danish East India Company of Copenhagen , arriving in
Ceylon in 1620 with six ships after great hardship and major loss of life.
King Senarath refused the honor the Boschhouuvers contract with Danes ( on 30 th
March 1618 ), after learning of his death , as he had already made peace with
Portuguese in 1617.
Treaty Concluded with by Dutch with King Rajasinha on 23 May 1638
Dutch made a treaty again with King Rahasinghe in 1638 in the name of Prince of
Orange and had all most similar articles. This treaty was sent to Batavia for
ratification accompanied with two Kandyan Chiefs and was brought back with the
required certification.
King of Kandy Keerthi Sri Rajasinha
The British Envoy John Phybus met the Kandyan King on 24 th May 1762 and he
describes in detail the garments, belts and jewels worn by King Keerthi Sri
Rajasinha. In the Dambula rock temple there is a statue of King Keerthi Sri
constructed during his lifetime ( larger than life ) and this clearly matches with John
Pybus`EDs description of the King and garments he wore.
The King wanted Pybus to sit in such a manner as was most easy to him. He writes
`EC I had but a very indifferent view of the King, to distinguish his dress ; but the
upper Garment seemed to be an open Robe of Gold Tissue, with a close vest
underneath, and broad belt richly embroidered with gold round his waist. He had
upon his head a cap of scarlet cloth embroidered with Gold, much in the form of an
American Cap, upon the top of which was a small crown set with precious stones ;
several rings in his finger: a short dagger in his left hand , the hilt of which was of
Gold set with Precious stones; and on his right side was a large broad Sword , not
Grit upon him but resting against the chair of state: it`EDs hilt likewise was of Gold
richly set with Precious Stones. His shoes were made in the manner of the Chinese
Sandals, of crimson Velvet embroidered with Gold, and a plate of Gold seems to run
round the outside of the shoe`EE.
Gold State Sword
Van Eck took the above-mentioned gold state sword at the time he looted Kandy in
1765, and presently in display at the Rijks Mesueam in Netherlands. Professor P H D
H De Silva who had examined this sword states that this has a gold handle, 81
centimeters long and studded with 136 precious stones.
Dress of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha
Several garments worn by King keerthi Sri on such occasions could now be seen at
the Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum and they are described as follows:
Head Cover
Kings head cover was prepared out of cloth, with golden embroidery work. The King
used this on occasions, such as giving audience to special Invitees and dignitaries
except at times he wore the crown.
Manthe
The chest piece worn over the upper garments around the neck is known as
"Manthe."
Karavaniya
The Cotton Cloth about 8 `9E feet long having embroidery with gold thread and King
wears this over the Trouser ( Sarvalaya ) and known as " Karaweniya ".
Shirt
A Cotton shirt was worn covering the upper front of the body. Over this shirt the
King used to wear a jacket over which the " manthe "was worn.
Saravale
The King wore a trouser covering the lower part of the body. It had been prepared in
fine cotton with floral embroidery work.
Handkerchiefs
Different handkerchiefs were used during special Occasions, such as carrying in hand
, offering alms to the sacred tooth relic, wearing around neck when the King carried
the golden pongo, and a special handkerchief was used by the King when kneeling
down and worshipping.
Out Come of Pybus Embassy 1762
As English did not want to enter in to a direct conflict with Dutch , they broke off all
negotiations with him after they found that King desired their help against Dutch
both by sea and land. The Directors of English Company declared that they have
ordered Madras to abstain from all further negotiations ( October 1764 ) with King
Keerthi Sri Rajasinha paving way for Dutch Governor Van Eck to attack Kandy
unchallenged destroying the heritage of a proud nation.
References :
-T he Pybus embassy to Kandy, 1762 by Major R Ravan-Hart edited by P E P
Deraniyagala
- Kandyan Kingdon by Dr Mrs Lorna Srimathi Deveraja PhD
- Museum at Dalada Maligawa
Summary
John Pybus writer of English East India Company Met King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe in
1762, as the King wanted to expel the Dutch with the assistance of the British. John
Pybus gives a comprehensive description of the King. The golden State sword seen
by Pybus possibly is the one now displayed in Rijkx Mesueam in Netherlands, and the
King`EDs garments could now be seen at the Dalada Maligawa museum. This article
also gives an over view of sound foreign policy adopted by the of the Kandyan
kingdom during 1762 British Negotiations. (Kandyan Kingdom - King Keerthi Sri
Rajasinha and British Envoy John Pybus ( 1762 AD ) by Deepthi Anura Jayatunge)

















Last King of Kandy, Sri Wickrama Raja
Singha
(by S. B. Karalliyadde)
Dumbara is the land where several of our illustrious
kings hailed from and it is a strange irony of fate that
the last king of Sri Lanka was taken captive in this
land.
Siri Sangabo (251-253 AD), the budding Buddha king,
was born in Minipe now known as Uda Dumbara.
The last of these three brothers was Gotabaya (253-
266). The two sons of this king were Jettatissa I (266-
276) and Mahasena (276-303) who was also known as
"Minneriya Deiyo". One son of Mahasena was
Kithsirimevan alias Keerthi Sri Megawarna who ruled
for twenty eight years from 303 to 331 AD. It was
during his reign that the sacred Tooth Relic was
brought by Hemamala & Danta. Dumbara occupies a
glorious place in annals of the history of our land as yet another king, the son of
Jettatissa
II (331-340 AD) who was the 66th in the line of kings - Budhadasa (340-368) was a
world renowned physician. The other sons of the soil gifted to the nation are great
kings in the calibre of Wimaladharmasuriya I who freed us from Portuguese
domination and brought our land under one flag and his step son, the great warrior
King Rajasinghe II. What a cruel fate befell the people of Dumbara who led many a
war for the unity of this country fighting with Cholas and the British? But as history
unfolds subsequent events will show that none from Dumbara participated in this
operation to capture the king. This article is an attempt to draw the attention of the
public on the 188th anniversary of the episode.
Kannasamy, the 18 year old young Nayakkar youth was in Hanguranketa in-charge
of the Royal treasury.
After the unexpected and sudden demise of Rajadi Rajasinghe (1782-1798) he was
brought to Kandy and it was Pilimatalawe Adigar who later had to face a catastrophe
who was responsible for crowning him as Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. This tragic death
of Rajadi Rajasinghe was on Monday 16th July, 1798 and the crowning of the new
king was the following day with all the royal rituals observed. Pilimatalawa expected
to succeed to the throne after this novice youth was expelled. This was the last
Nayakkar king who ruled exactly for sixteen years, seven months and a day upto the
Sunday 18th February, 1815.
This event marks the end of 2298 years beginning from Vijaya in 483 B.C. with a
unbroken chain of kings who ruled our land. It was this heritage that we lost on this
date. If we count on George III from Hanover dynasty who succeeded the Nayakkar
and upto the Queen Elizabeth II we would have a continuous rule of 2455 years by
kings.

Sri Wickrama Raja Singha
By then Britain had become powerful in Europe. In 1803 Admiral Nelson defeated the
French in the battle of Trafalgar. The defeat of Napolean in the battle of Waterloo
also gave the British a prominent place as a powerful nation. Added to these the
British had a strong sea power.
In the meantime on 31st January, 1803 Major General Hay Macdowell led a troop of
British soldiers from Colombo to capture Kandy. But this expedition was unsuccessful
as it was attacked by the natives. In January 1815 the king of Kandy attacked the
British garrison stationed at Sitawaka. This incident provoked the British to declare
war against the Kandyan Kingdom for the second time. The British were able to win
the support of Ehelepola who was Disawa of Sabaragamuwa.
Molligoda Maha Adikaram and several other leading Kandyan Chieftans. The British
once again declared war against the Kandyan Kingdom on 10th January, 1815.
The British troops were joined by the chiefs who were ill disposed towards the king
and the people of the Disawanis under their leaders. Troops from all the areas
marched surrounding Kandy. The British waited for an opportune moment to muster
the support of the Sinhalese who were unhappy with the Nayakkar rule.
The atmosphere was created for the attack as the people waited for vengeance from
the king for beheading Pilimatalawe (1812) who placed the king on the throne, the
massacre of Ehelepola family, killing of 42 leading supporters of Ehelepola from
Sabaragamuwa, killing of 70 leading persons from Hatkorale and various other
instances of abuse by the king. By now the supporters of Ehelepola, Ekneligoda and
Kodituwakku Nilame distanced themselves from the king.
On 10th February, 1815 the British entered Kandy city which was deserted by then.
On the 19th D'Oyly wrote to the Governor Brownrigg.
'Dear Sir,
"I have the sincerest joy of reporting to your Excellency that the object of your
anxious wishes is accomplished and the king of Kandy a captive in our hands in the
precincts of Meda Maha Nuwara and taken an hour before dark in the house of
Udupitiye Arachi at Galleyhewatte a mile beyond Meda Maha Nuwara with 2 of his
queens".
"Ehelepola, Ekneligoda, Molligoda, Pilmatalawe Delwala Mahawelitenna joined in this
expedition. Don Soloman Dias Bandaranayake Mudliyar of Siyane Korale assisted as
the interpreter and Don Adrian Wijesinghe Jayawardhana Mudliyar of Chilaw
accompanied as a guide. The king was taken to Colombo from where he finally sailed
in a warship "Convolis" to Madras on 24th January, 1816. Sri Wickrama a man of
dark complexion with a strong build and six feet two inches in height breathed his
last on 30th January, 1832 at the age of 52 years.



Queen Rengammal: Last Queen
of lanka
(By Padma Edirisinghe)
Destiny is very strange. Our last queen, Queen Rengammal hangs in a gilt-framed
glass case adjacent to a drawing of the last king of Lanka, Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe
and just behind the king"s ornate throne and crown, proudly displayed to visitors to
the Colombo Museum sited in an enviably green-carpeted vast land expanse in the
"elite" area of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. And in another large case in the
proximity of these objects is exhibited "The queen"s jacket". Both the queen and the
queen"s jacket are associated with a tale of much historical significance that reveals
the high drama that tragically ended one of the longest running monarchies of the
world.
Henry Marshall, an eye-witness Britisher to these events of the 19th century writes,
that the news of the capture of the last king of Lanka and his family made the then
British governor very emotional. In fact, Marshall had been having dinner with
Governor Brownrigg at the Governor"s House in Colombo when the news of the
capture was brought in. On hearing this news Brownrigg had stood up with tears
rolling down his cheeks. Why the emotion? To quote yet another English writer,
"From this day we may date the extinction of Ceylonese independence, an
independence which had continued for 2357 years."
Sad to say, it was a very ignominious end for such a long running monarchy whose
kings included such illustrious personage as Dutugemunu, architect of Swarnamali
Chaitya, empire-builders as Parakramabahu I who even defied mighty Indian
powers. The tale of the capture of the king by the British and the intricate whirl of
events leading to it, could form a separate essay and hence those facts are
marginalized here, giving priority to the sad tale of Queen Rengammal.
Rengammal! Not a very familiar name, you would say. You are correct. She was not
ethnically a Sinhalese and nor was the king, for that matter. That the last four kings
of Lanka all hailed from the Malabar coast of India is well-known information. But the
women of the Kandyan Court seem to have infiltrated into it even earlier from South
India. The practice of bringing consorts from South India for the reigning princes of
Kandy seems to have begun somewhere during King Rajasinghe II"s time (1635-
1687) and continued almost unbroken. In fact, when the last Sinhala king, Vira
Parakrama Narendrasinghe was heirless, the South Indian queens" faction had grown
so numerically strong as to enforce a new rule of dynasty that the throne should now
pass to the queen"s brother, ultimately making the kings too South Indians!
But those four kings were very tactful and had no ambition of projecting a South
Indian identity here. They embraced Buddhism, took on Sinhala names and became
the most ardent patrons of Buddhism and Sinhala literature, thus endearing the
subjects to them till the estrangement between the last ruler and his subjects began.
They seem to have been very fluent in Sinhala too, King Rajadhi Rajasinghe even
authoring Sinhala books. But not the queens. In fact, when the leaders of the Sinhala
faction who rose against them began harassing the queens at Meda Maha Nuwara,
records show that they clung to Mr. C.V. Dias, an ancestor of the Bandaranayaka
family who had gone with the British party piteously crying out their sentiments and
pleading for help in Tamil.
Meda Maha Nuwara off Teldeniya surrounded by rings off mountains was where our
last king fled with his queens when he heard of the British advancing on them. Bitter
internal politics had alienated his subjects, especially after the cruel massacre of the
Ehelapola family. The whole royal family took refuge in a house belonging to one
Bomure Udapitiya Arachchie at a time of fierce thunder and storm. The Sinhala
faction headed by Eknaligoda Nilame and egged on by Ehelapola Maha Adikaram was
too smart for them and soon the house was surrounded and the family subject to
much ignominious treatment. The king had been stripped almost naked, abused in
filthy language, kicked, spat upon and finally attempted to tie like a pig (all fours,
hands and legs to be tied to a pole). Meanwhile the poor queens too were abused
and their jackets torn off. It is Queen Rengammal"s jacket deposited in a chest in a
house of one Kiriporuwe Mudianse, a member of the faction who seethed with fury at
the king"s cruelty, that ultimately found its way to the Colombo Museum. A
headmaster of the area, one Chandrasena had been instrumental in getting this
jacket into the museum. Its authenticity has been proved by academic personnel due
not to the particular texture of the jacket (of the related period) but due to the stain
of human blood on the jacket. It is recorded that captors tore off the queen"s
jewellery and the stain has been caused by the dripping blood.
Two fifth or sixth generation descendants of two families closely connected to these
events, the Eknaligoda family and the Rajapakse family, testify to a fierce vendetta
to be orchestrated on the royal family. As a punishment for Ehelapola Maha
Adikaram"s desertion to the English, King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe had massacred
the Adikaram"s children and later commanded Ehelapola Kumarihamy to slay her
own infant which she refused to do. The king then had her and a relative of hers
drowned in the Bogambara Lake.

"The waters of the lake are blent with blood no more
Its lovely banks are no more stained with crimson gore
No wretched queen with sword her dear-loved children slay
No more she tracks her doom upon the watery way"

From "The life of Ehelapola" by Pohath Kehelpannala

Now the plan by Ehelapola Maha Adikaram and Eknaligoda Diswawa and their faction
had been to stage a fierce "Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" vendetta using
the queens. They were to be stripped to the bare minimum like Chandalee women,
marched to Kandy all the way from Meda Maha Nuwara in that disgraceful state and
drowned in the very Bogambara Lake where the Kumarihamy was drowned.
However, before further ignominy could be orchestrated, John D" Oyley and his
party had arrived on the scene and rescued the royal party. They were then taken to
Colombo via Negombo (a secret route) and kept as prisoners in Fort till they were
finally deported to Vellore where they remained till their death. In 1934 during
Governor Stubbs"s time the regalia confiscated by the British in 1815 and taken to
England were returned to our country in the ship Sussex. In 1936 a beautiful portrait
of Queen Rengammal had begun to adorn the wall calendars. (It is the same portrait
that is displayed at the Colombo Museum). She is fully dressed here, in a strangely
attractive blend of Western style gown and Eastern shawl and robe. According to
certain historians whose ancestors had been eye-witnesses to the famous drawing of
the queen, it had been done by a white artist (while his wife fussed about
Rengammal adjusting frills and drapes) during the time of the queens" imprisonment
in the Fort in the vicinity of the Beira Lake. This lake covered Colombo with its
waters more generously than now. (Since those times much land from Beira Lake
has been reclaimed for putting up buildings in land-hungry Colombo).
Maybe as Queen Rengammal posed on the picturesque banks of Beira rather
unwillingly for the portrait in a full fastidious dress designed by Dutch seamstresses
of Pettah (according to a descendant of the Rajapakse family of Maradana in whose
Walauwa or mansion the dress had been made), she remembered with horror that
terrible day in Medamahanuwara at the base of Uragala hills when she was near
naked as her captors tore off so cruelly the jacket that covered her beautiful bosom.
Women paying for the foul deeds of their male counterparts? Rengammal clearly
belongs to this category and also belongs to Sri Lanka"s colourful and turbulent pas
(Source: Explore Sri Lanka)










Capture and last days of Sri
Vikrama Rajasinha
(@ The Island; by M. B. Dassanayake)
Reigned for 17 years from 1798-1815. Deported to Vellore on January 24,
1816. Lived as a captive for 17 years. Died on January 30, 1832
Sri Vikrama Rajasinha who reigned for seventeen years from
1798-1815 A.D., as the last monarch of the Kandyan Kingdom was
taken prisoner on the night of February 18, 1815, by an armed
party of Ehelapola Disawes adherents headed by Ekneligoda
Dissawa and accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Hook.
The monarch had taken refuge near Medamahanuwara gap, after
evading Kandyan and British troops. He was accompanied by two
of his wives and a few loyal followers who were prepared to defend
him to the end. One or two men were killed on both sides and
finally when the wall of the house where he was concealed was
broken down he was exposed to all. Hated by his subjects as a tyrant, it was a new
and painful experience for him to see an angry mob in the full glare of torchlight
watching the proceedings with delight and rejoicing in the capture of the man who
had watered the land with the blood and tears of the people.
He was bound with ropes and dragged to the nearest village by his own subjects. His
subjects showed their contempt by upbraiding him, and by general insulting
behaviour.
On the following morning, John DOyly (afterwards Sir John) called on the fallen
monarch and found him surrounded by his old mother and wives, with their families.
They were in a pitiable state of mind through having heard a rumour that they were
to be treated as the King had been accustomed to treat the women of his foes, and
that the King himself was to stand trial before the British Government. Mr. DOyly
was able to pacify them with assurances that not only would the King and his
families be safe, but that they would be treated with every respect due to their
station.
The King was silent and sullen, but upon receiving this assurance, he was deeply
stirred. Taking the hands of his mother and the wives in turn, he presented them to
Mr. DOyly and commended them solemnly to his care.
Major Willeman, one of the Governors staff, now appeared on the scene, and was
introduced to the King. The monarch spoke bitterly of the treatment that had been
meted out to him by his subjects, and, pointing to the bruises on his arms caused by
the ropes, asked if that was considered fit for a King. The major expressed
sympathies on behalf of the Governor, Sir Robert Brownrigg and the King declared
that he regretted that he had not thrown himself on the generous protection of the
British. All his wounds and insults were received from his own people.
Considering the spirit of the Kandyans unsafe, and deeming it inadvisable to rush
taking him through Kandy, he was removed under a strong escort, mostly for his
own protection, to Colombo.
In Colombo...
The royal prisoner was entrusted to the care of Major Hook, and was taken with his
wives to a large house in the Fort, which had been prepared for him. (This house I
understand, was closer to the former military barracks).
Arriving in Colombo on March 6, the King and his wives were conveyed to their new
residence where they were received with the greatest courtesy by Colonel Kerr, the
Commandant.
The spacious house had been fitted up handsomely for the occasion. In the middle of
the largest apartment was an ottoman, covered with scarlet cloth, upon which His
Majesty, immediately on his entrance, sprang with great agility, and, seating himself
in a most unkingly attitude, with his legs drawn under him, looked around the room,
which he surveyed with great complacency. He was evidently both pleased and
surprised at the apparent comfort of his new place of abode, contrasting, perhaps,
the treatment he was now receiving from the British Government with that which our
countrymen had received at his hands not many years ago. He instantly said, "as I
am no long permitted to be a King, I am thankful for the kindness and attention
which has been showered upon me."
Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was a handsome man. He was tall, corpulent and muscular in
appearance, but he was absolutely devoid of humane feelings. He was witty, and was
good humoured when it suited him, but the calm and quiet way in which he related
some of his-murderous anecdotes, was as surprising as it was revolting. Murder and
torture were apparent sport to him, and he could not understand why the British
looked with abhorrence on the cutting of heads; flogging to death; impaling alive;
tearing by elephants or pounding heads in a mortar.
The throne and sceptre...
The Kings throne and sceptre were found on the day that he was taken prisoner.
The following is the description given by a British official.
"The ancient throne of the Kandyan sovereigns, for the last century and half,
resembles a large old fashioned armchair such as is frequently seen in England. It is
about five feet high at the back, three in breadth, and two in depth; the frame is of
wood, entirely covered with thin gold sheeting (studded with precious stones), the
exquisite taste and workmanship of which does not constitute the least of its
beauties, and may vie with the best modern specimens of the works of goldsmiths.
The most prominent and striking features in this curious relic are two golden lions or
sphinxes, forming the arms of the throne or chair, of a very uncouth appearance, but
beautifully wrought - the heads of the animals being turned outwards in a peculiarly
graceful manner. The eyes are formed of entire amethysts, each rather larger than a
musket ball. Inside the back, near the top, is a large golden sun from which the
founder of the Kandyan monarchy is supposed to have derived his origin; beneath,
about the centre of the chair, and in the midst of some sunflowers, is an immense
amethyst, about the size of a large walnut; on either side is a female deity in a
sitting posture, of admirable design and workmanship; the whole encompassed by a
moulding formed of bunches of cut crystal set in gold; there is a space around the
back (without the moulding) studded with large amethysts on each side, and six
more at the top.
The seat inside the arms, and half way up the back, is (or rather was) lined with red
velvet, all torn or decayed. The foot-stall is also very handsome, being ten inches in
height, a foot in breadth and two feet and half in length; the top in crimson silk
worked with gold; a moulding of cut crystals runs around the sides of it, beneath
which in front are flowers (similar to those on the back of the chair) studded with
fine amethysts and crystals.
It should be observed that the throne behind is covered with the finest wrought
silver; at the top of a large embossed half-moon of silver, surmount the stars, and
below all is a bed of silver sun-flowers.
The sceptre was a rod of iron, with a gold head, an extraordinary but just emblem of
his government."
Departure...
On the January 24, 1816, the last King of Kandy, with his family, embarked on board
the HM Cornwallis, under command of Captain OBrien for Madras, and very large
number of people assembled to witness the departure.
Leaving the shore late in the afternoon, in the boats of the "Cornwallis", the King
with his wives and mother-in-law left in the captains barge in the care of Mr.
Granville. The attendants followed in another with Captain Kerr and Mr. Sutherland,
Secretary for Kandyan Affairs, accompanied by Captain OBrien in a third. The
strictest observance was paid to the etiquette of receiving the women of a high rank
aboard, and spacious accommodation was allotted to the royal family.
After the King had become a captive, all hostile feelings ceased and his wishes were
granted as far as possible. He was taken to the waters edge in the governors
carriage, and his wives were carried in palanquins. They were closely veiled. The
King was handsomely dressed, with pantaloons fastened tightly round the ankles,
and took his place in the boat.
The weather, however, was rough and they were severely tossed about before the
ships side in a chair. The King it is said, "behaved like a man", and showed dignity
and firmness of mind. What his feelings were can never be known, but, no doubt, he
realised that he escaped torture and death when he fell into the British hands.
Mr. Granville accompanied the royal family to Madras and delivered them to the care
of the government. The captives landed on the North Beach on the evening of
February 22, and were immediately conveyed in palanquins to the tents pitched for
their reception.
Here the Town-Major, Captain MacDonald and Mr. Marriott were introduced by Mr.
Granville as the gentleman were ordered to receive him by the Royal Honourable the
Governor. The Town-Major delivered a complimentary message and retired, leaving
the King in charge of Mr. Marriott. A guard was placed around the tent, and native
sentries were posted to keep off the crowds of people who were anxious to see the
royal prisoner.
The baggage of the prisoners were placed on bandies, and carried by coolies, and
between four and five oclock the following morning the King and his family were
carried in palanquins to Conditoor, where they were again lodged in a tent, and, with
daily marches, finally arrived at Vellore.
Life in Vellore...
The King and his family were supplied with everything that they desired, and
amongst the long lists of requirements was a list of oils of various kinds, twice
monthly, for the use of himself, his wives and his mother-in-law.
To the end of the official year 1817-1818, the Government of Fort St. George
estimated that the expenses likely to be incurred on account of the captive King and
his family would be 9,977 star pagodas, with a further hundred pagodas for arrears
of salary due to the officer in charge of the King.
A daily list of the Kings household expenses was published, which amounted to
nearly Rs. 30 per day, bed-room perfumery to Rs. 10/50 whilst the servants
employed for his service cost over One hundred and twenty-six star pagodas.
In addition, the government supplied clothing, jewels and workmen for making
ornaments for the ladies.
Notwithstanding their dependence upon the government, almost all the prisoners
became heavily in debt, and in July, 1874, the Ceylon Government sanctioned Rs.
8,000 to liquidate the debts incurred by the third queen of the King.
The King lived for 17 years in confinement, and died of dropsy January 30, 1832,
aged fifty-two years.
One cannot but compare the character of the last King of Kandy with some of the
predecessors and other pious kings of the earlier period, and comparisons convince
that King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was degenerated, pampered and spoiled, suspicious
of his people, and ever on the probability that nothing but tyranny would keep him in
safety.






Pilimatalavuva Maha Adikaram
Chieftains of the Kandyan Kingdom


"Although Kanda Uda Pas Rata or the city of Senkadagalapura was founded by Senasammata Vickramabahu
(1469-1511) in the later phase of the fifteenth century, the real story of the Kandyan Kingdom opens with the
absorption of the Kingdoms of Kotte and Sitavaka by the Portugese and the ascendancy of Vimala Dharma
Suriya (1591-1604) in Kandy in about 1592.

After King Vimala Dharmasuiriya I (1591-1604), Senarath (1604-1635), Rajasimha II (1635-1687) and Vimala
Dharmasuriya II (1687-1707), we come to Narendrasimha (1707-1739) popularly known as Kundasale Deviyo
and fondly remembered as Sellan Nirindhu, the playful King. Keeping with immediate past practice he too
married from South India and died without a royal heir. He had left a son Unambuva Bandara by a Kandyan
concubine but jealousy and disunity among the ruling families prevented him from succeeding the throne.
Narendrasimha anticipating such an eventuality, before his death nominated his brother-in-law a South Indian
Vaduga of Nayakkar extraction to succeed him at the instance of his Mahesi Rammaloka the Adigar and
Saranankara who had been his teacher and saw an ideal opportunity to promote Buddhism through him, even
though it was something unprecedented in Simhale. Thus ended the long line of Sinhala Kings; and the later
Kandyan story really begins with the advent of this Telugu Vaduga Nayakkar. Their dominance saw a regular
influx of their relations into the court as aspirants to trusted office, inter marrying with the leading Kandyan
(Radala) families and being absorbed by them and accepted by the people. "




" Next to the King, the last two Pillimatalavuvas, were the most dazzling personalities during the final years of the
kindgdom. As 'King Maker' Pilimatalavuva Maha Adikaram III raised Kannasamy, an uneducated youth of about
eighteen years to the Sinhalese Throne of Kandy in 1798, under the sonorous Sinhala name of 'Sri Wickrama
Rajasimha', in the process over looking the more patent chance of Muttusamy, whom he imprisoned. But by
Sinhala stand point both really had no such claim. Little did Pilimatalavuva suspect or realise at the time that this
nominee whom he elevated to supreme power as King would very soon use that very power to have him
beheaded.

Though the chieftains and the people did not approve of this awkward and unprecedented selection, none could
exercise any retraint over this all powerful autocrat nor understand or appreciate his albeit noble objective
underlying beneath this whole programme.

Outwardly, his act appeared treacherous, but just as all the citizens and Kandyan Courtiers lamented the tragedy
of transferring the ancient Sinhalese Throne to the South Indian Vadugas, Pilimatamavuva too did not fail to
realise this recurring tragedy. Therefore he intended quite manifestly to make a puppet of this youth on the
Throne and to overthrow him at the earliest opportunity and rescue the Throne from an alien power, precisely as
the historian Dr Covin R de Silva points out that "he aimed at the Throne himself intending thereby to expel the
Nayakkaras and to re-establish a Sinhala Dynasty". "


"Pilimatalavuvas In The Last Days Of The Kandyan kingdom" by Ananda Pilimatalavuva

Pilimatalavuva Maha Adikaram was the third son of a family of Kandyan Chieftain
who descended from an old established family which served the Sinhalese Kings
from ancient times on one side and revived and restored by the assimilation with
Royal South Indian nobility who arrived in the Kandyan Kingdom during the reign
of Sri Vira Parkrama Narendrasinha of Kundasale. His full name was
Pilimatalavuva Vijesundera Rajakaruna Senaviratne Abhayakoon Panditha
Mudiyanse alias Urulevatta Agra Senadhipathi alias Arave Pallegampaha Maha
Adikaram III. His father and elder brother also served as Maha Adikaram before
him.

He assumed office as second Adigar in 1787 and was elevated to the post of
First Adigar of Pallegampaha Maha Adikaram in 1790 by King Rajadhi
Rajasimha. On the death of this King he used his power and position to enthrone
Sri Wickrema Rajasimha as King even though he was not in the line of
succession with the patriotic motive of re-establishing a Sinhala dynasty later.

During the time of King Kirthi Sri Rajasimha he built the inner sanctuary of the Sri Dalada Maligawa which an
invader had left in ashes, and then in 1801 built the Asgiri Aluth Vihare also known as Vijesunderamaya after him,
close to the Parana Vihare (Meda Pansala) built by his father. He has been described as 'portly and well looking
man of great power and intrigue by Robert Percival and by Tennent as 'One of the most illustrious nobles
boasting their descent from the Royal line of Ceylon'.


@ The Island - 1st March 1993

"Pilimatalawa undoubtedly one of the ablest and shrewdest leaders with unsurpassed negotiating skills, in the
country's history, out witted and out manoeuvered North at every turn"

"North and British writers never forgave Pilimatalawa for preventing them from capturing Kandy and therefore
described him in opprobrious terms such as 'teacherous, perfidious, profligate and unprincipled.' True, he was ready
to betray his King, but not the Kingdom".

"When Pilimattalawa saw that the British had different designs and would not fall in with his, he decided to act alone
- bribing the mercenary soldiers to assassinate the King. His resolve to free the country of Sri Wickrema
Rajasinghe's misrule was so indomitable that he preferred execution rather than taking an oath not to work against
the King again and be pardoned" "
































Galagoda Adikaram - Chief Minister of
King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe
(By Deepthi Anura Jayatunge)
Galagoda Adigar was in the royal service of King
Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (as the Chief Minister) during
the Golden era of the Kandyan Kingdom. During this
period Kandyans constructed a large number of
places of religious worship, and stood against the
Dutch invaders and they even managed to destroy
several Dutch forts.
His descendants served the Kings faithfully and,
received several large land grants for their royal
service. Dr. Mrs. Lorna Deveraja in "Spolia Zeylanica"
published several of these
Sannasas.
Once Kandy declined, under
British rule his grand children were executed and deported for
taking part in the Uva rebellion in 1818. The last family
member to lay down his life in royal duty was Galagoda
Nilgala Korale, who died in early 19th century, while trying to
arrest the murderer Tissahamy. Korale knew Tissahamy well,
but he shot Korala (mistaking him for a Policeman) as he was
covering his head with the coat of a police officer while the
rain was drizzling. Two expensive rings studded with rubies,
worn by Korala were taken by his killers, but thrown away
subsequently fearing identification.
This family history is well documented for the family
hardships they had to endure whilst trying to preserve or to
regain Kandyan sovereignty.
The name of the Galagoda family is not mentioned in the
recent Kandyan history (under British rule) as several family
members took part in the 1818 Kandy Rebellion against British. They were either
executed, deported or had their lands confiscated. As unbending Kandyans they paid
the supreme price of fighting for the freedom of their motherland.
This family had served as the Chief Minister or the "Maha Adigar" to the King (1745)
and at the same time Galagodas brother held the post of Dissawa of Uva and
Nuwarakalaviya (modern Anuradhapura).
Mathra Katuwana Hatana
Between Galagoda Adikaram and his brother they planned the war against the Dutch
in 1760 destroying several Dutch forts Mathra, Katuwana, Marakade. This was the
last successful rebellion against any foreign invader.

Galagoda Dissawa (Adikarams brother)
in the Royal Service of King Keerthi Sri
Rajasinha (1747-1781). Recipient of the
second and third Land grants in 1760 AD
& 1772 AD (Wall painting from Talawa
Temple at Marassana)
Galagoda Adikaram in the
Royal Service of King Keerthi
Sri Rajasinha. Recipient of
the first land grant in 1750
AD - (Wall painting from
Talawa temple- Marassana).
Nilgala Korala
In the same tradition, late in the 19th century one of their descendants Galagoda
Korale of Nilgala laid down his life while trying to capture the murderer Thissahamy
in Ambilinna.
Family History
This family could thus be traced back to 1600 AD, according to Dr. Mrs. Lorna
Devaraja, who has published details of several land grants given to this family by
Kandyan Kings. Their bloodline has been traced up to the 19th Century based on
documents found in British Museum and in the National Archives. Definitely, this
covers a much wider time period than the bestseller "ROOTS" which was published in
America.
The Galagoda family had a tradition of military service dating back to 1600. They are
from Megodathiha Hewahata. They were in the Royal Service of King Senarath
(1604-1635). A Galagoda Dissawa was decorated in the battle of Randeniwela
(1630). He also mobilized troops for the battle of Gannoruwa (1638) defeating the
Portuguese. For this he was awarded the Governor ship of Hewahata by Rajasinha 11
(1629-1687), thus consolidating his roots in Hewahata.
Another Galagoda served under King Vimaladharmasooriya (1687-1707). The King
Sri Vijaya Rajasinha (1739-1747) had a member of the family serving in the
provincial administration. The king Keerthi Sri Rajasinha (1747-1781) selected from,
their descendent two brothers; one to be his Maha Adigar & the other was given the
next highest rank of Dissawa.
During the period of King Rajadhi Rajasinghe (1781-1798) both Kandy and
Anuradhapura dissawa posts were held by two Galagoda brothers.
It is said in the "Mandarampura Puwatha" that the poem was brought up to date in
1702 AD, at the request of Galagoda Dissawa in the royal service of King
Vimaladharmasooriya (1687-1707).
Galagoda Adigar hated the Dutch & made no secret of it. A grant of kind signed by
the Adigar Galagoda was made to Mulkirigala Vihara in 1761. He was the first Adigar,
Basnayaka of Patthini Devalaya, chief of sword bearers, stables, elephant corals,
palace dancers, palace potters, Dissawa of Putlam and Sabaragamuwa and
Attapatuwe Lekam.
The Adigars
The Kings principal officer was the Adigar and they acted as advisors to the king, as
chief justice and military chief or as the commander in chief. He had to lead the
army to battle. The Adigar signed all land grants made by the King.
The honours due to Adikaram were, second only to those due to the King. He was
preceded by numbers of men cracking whips. All on the road had to make way for
him. The Adigar could hold his office as long as the King wanted. He had to pay king
five hundred "Silver Coins" on appointment, and a similar sum every new year
(dakum). The Adigars in turn appointed junior officers & received around 10 silver
coins per year from them. Adigar further received a portion of fines collected, income
from ferries operated, and from liberated prisoners.
Galagoda Adigar was succeeded at his death in the Disavary of Kandy by
Pilimathalawe and, to the latters death by Angammana
Last Signature In The Kandyan Treaty (1815)
The last signature in the Kandyan Treaty of 1815 belongs to Galagoda Maha Adigars
son Galagoda Nuwarakalawiya Dissawa who refused to sign the treaty for two days-
and so did only after the English Governor promised to safeguard Buddhism &
Kandyan traditions.
Four Land Grants Received by the Family (1750-1760-1772-1806 AD)
King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha and the last Kandyan king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe gave
this family several land grants. The first grant was in 1750 and a palm leaf copy of
this could be found in the British Museum. It was given to recognize Adigars loyally
to the new Waduga king, who came to the throne after ruling the country for 3
years, without being crowned due to fears of an uprising.
Second Land Grant of 1760
The second land grant was given to the Adigars brother in 1760 for the gallantry
shown in "the Mathra Katuwana war" and after destroying several Dutch forts. This
war against the Dutch was master minded by these two Galagoda brothers. They
killed all the Dutch prisoners who had surrendered, and destroyed the forts.
They also fought against the armies of the Dutch governor Baron Van Eck in 1765
and defeated him on his way back to the coastline. The first targets were the
drummers who conveyed orders over long distances and the conspicuously clad
officers, who could be easily spotted.
Third Land Grant of 1772
Adigars brother Dissawa again received a third land grant in 1772 for the faithful
service rendered to King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha and a copy of this can be found in a
copper plated sannasa kept in the British Museum.
Fourth Land Grant of 1806
The fourth land grant was given by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha to Galagoda
Karawile Mudaliya, for his gallantry shown against the British in 1806. This is
possibly for service against the army of Lt. Colonel Arthur Jonstan (19th regiment)
that invaded in Kandy (in 1804).
Capt. Jonstan had a strong body of 300 troops & scaled the mountains from the Uva
Mahiyangana side to reach Kandy. His entry to Kandy was a psychological shock to
Kandyan nobles as he had taken a secret path neglected by them. He had to get
back to Trincomalee with a loss of 38 troopers as Kandy was abandoned. The
villagers, going to worship at Mahiyangana Temple during the festival season, used
the path made by him which is known as 1000 steps for a long time.
Galagoda Adigar
Galagoda was made the first Adigar as he saved the king from an assassination plot
planned to make the King fall in to a pit fitted with long spikes near Malwatta
Temple. The Malwatta priest in connivance with Samanakody Adigar (who was
subsequently executed), tried to install a Siamese Prince in the Kandyan throne. This
famous Galagida Adigar was the grand son of Mumwatte Bandara a poet and a
very learned man a favourite in the Kandyan Court whose name appears in the
sannasa (official document) handing over the first land grant.
After the assassination plot, the position of Galagoda became much stronger. He was
now the first Adigar and had ten other offices given to him. Two of his brothers were
made provincial chiefs; One was made the Dissawa of Uva and other the Raterala of
Harispatthuwa.
With King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghes blessings, Galagoda Adigar built and renovated a
large number of Buddhist-temples and was much respected by the Dutch. During his
reign the Siamese priest "Siam Upalee" head of famous "Siam-O-Palee-" maha
nikaya brought the long lost "Upasanpadawa" to Ceylon.
One of the first monks to be ordained at the hands of Siyam Upali was the monk
Kobbakaduwa and he was the son of Galagoda Kumarihami who was in turn the
daughter of Galagoda Dissawa of Uva.
The Golden Era
This period is known to be the golden era of the Kandyan kingdom. A large number
of Buddhist Shrines were completed. The people looked up to the King, as their
saviour and they were able to rise up against the foreign invaders.
Portraits of Galagoda Adigar & Dissawa
Portraits of Galagoda Adikarama & his brother Galagoda Dissawa (who master
minded the Mathara Katuwana Hatana) can be seen even today in Talawa Rajamaha
Wiharaya at Marassana near Kandy.
Statue of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1781)
There are very many life-size portraits of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha in all the
temples he renovated & built. But the most famous are the four " Life sized wooden
statues of the king today, two of them can be seen at Dambulla Temple & at
Malwatta Temple in Kandy.
Descendents of Galagoda Adigar
Galagoda Adigar & his brother Dissawa had three children. The Dissawa of Uva &
Nuwarakalaviya, Dissawa of Kottegoda, & Wahala Mudiyanse posts were held by
them at some time.
Adigars son Nuwarakalawiye Dissawa
Galagoda Dissawa of Nuwarakalawiya, (who signed the Kandyan treaty of 1815) had
6 children. Four of them suffered severely under British rule for taking part in Uva
Uprising in 1818. Galagoda Wellasse Dissawa, the eldest, was executed for treason
by the British (in 1818) along with his grand son Ratemahanthaya.
His second son Galagoda Aspanthiye Nilame had his lands confiscated. His third
son Galagoda Peradeniya Disssawa died in the Uva Rebellion (1818).
Peradeniya Dissawa was banished by the Kandyan King, but managed to come back
to Kandy after 18 years and got his lands restored. He died in the 1818 rebellion.
The fifth son, known as Kotte Dissawa, had his lands confiscated & deported to
Mauritius.
Kotte Dissawa & his son Tikiri Banda A.k.a (Kiri Banda)
This Kotte Dissawa who was deported to Mauritius had 3 children. His second
son Tikiribanda Galagoda had one son named Galagoda Loku Banda.
This Kotte Dissawa had his name engraved on an iron ring fastened on to a slave
which was given to him by another Dissawa, according to John Doyly.
Galagoda Loku Banda
This Loku Banda had petitioned the British government several times claiming
ownership of land at Atimole by way of a sannasa (forth grant Karawile Sannasa)
given by King Sri Wickramarajasinghe. The British entertained this claim & there is
an entry to this effect confirming the ownership in the Land Kachcheri dated 1870.
Nilgala Korale
Galagoda Loku Banda had five children. One of them was the Abayasingha Bandara
Galagoda; a famous Korale who died trying to capture Tissahamy at the young age
of 34. He was a direct descendent and a fifth generation grand child of Galagoda
Maha Adikaram who masterminded the famous Mathra Katuwana war against Dutch
in 1760.
Financial Value of Sannasas
The financial value of each sannasa would have been immense as several villages
were given to the beneficiary under each land grant. These grants of "Paraveni" land
gave their heirs the right to inherit them.
The first land grant was from "Megodathiha-Hewahata" Unantanna village and the
second grant is from "Udunuwara-Ellepalewela" (now donated to Dalada Maligawa).
The third kind grant was from "Hewahata-Karandegama", and the forth was from
"Atimole-Karawila Pallegama" from Uva District.
This family is well documented for the hardships they had to undergo trying to
preserve or to regain Kandyan Sovereignty,
List of Family Names
(1) Galagoda Dissawa in the royal service of king Senarat (1604-1635)
(2) Galagoda in the royal service of King Vimaladharmasooriya (1687-1707)
(3) Galagoda provincial Administrator under King Vijaya Rajasinghe (1739-1747)
(4) Munwatte Bandara Grand father of Galagoda Adikaram
(5) Galagoda Adikar & Galagoda Dissawa in the royal service of King Keerthi Sri
Rajasingh (1747-1781)
(6) Galagoda Dissawa of Nuwara & Anuradhapura (signed Kandyan treaty) under
Rajadhi Rajasinghe (1781-1798) and under King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798-
1815*)
(7) Galagoda Wellasse Dissawa executed by British (1818)
(8) Galagoda Rate Mahaththaya executed by British (1818)
(9) Galagoda Aspoathiye Nilame had his lands confiscated by British (1818)
(10) Galagoda Peradeniya Dissawa died in Uva rebellion (1818)
(11) Galagoda Kotte Dissawa deported to Mauritius in 1818
(12) Galagoda Rajapaksha Panditha Wahalamudiyanselage Kiribanda (1850)
(13) Same Loku Banda Korale Mahathya of Mathurata (petitioned British
government in 1897 claiming ownership of land at Atimole from 4th Karawile-
Sannasa)
(14) Same Korale-Abayasinghe Bandara Galagoda died arresting Tissahamy
(1928)






Maduwanwala Rate Mahatmaya
(@Andrew Scott/Sunday Observer)
In this article I propose to deal on the life and activities of a
unique Kandyan Chieftain, Maduwanwela Rate Mahatmaya
(R.M.) of Kolonne in the Ratnapura District, whose real
name was Molamure. There are many popular tales about
this unique personality and his heroic deeds during the
British Raj.
One of the earliest writers who admired his friendship and
wrote about him was Dr. R. L. Spittel, the well known
doctor and writer of yesteryear who immortalised this rare
personality in his wildly read jungle book "Far Off Things"
first published in 1933, more than half a century ago. Dr. R.
L. Spittel had been a distinguished visitor and the family
doctor of the Maduwanwela household in its heyday.
Introducing this majestic personality Dr. R. L. Spittel says:
"The old Sinhala chieftain, whose home lay in the roadless
forests of Kolonne, had long intrigued me:
many were the tales I had been told of his hospitality and proud independence.....I
longed to see him before he died, since he was now very old and decrepit and had
not left his forest home, as he was periodically wont to do, for years."
Who was this Maduwanwela Rate Mahatmaya? Maduwanwela R.M. received his
education at St. Thomas' College, then in Mutwal. His real name was Molamure, the
name of highly respected clan in Ratnapura. He adopted his mother's name
Maduwanwela on coming into possession of a vast ancestral wealth. He inherited an
incredible eighty two thousand acres in two 'nindagamas' granted to his ancestors by
the Sinhala kings.
The Panamure nindagama consisted of 54,000 acres
and the Maduwanwela nindagama consisted of
28,000 acres. Maduwanwela R.M. ruled this forest
covered primitive area (at that time) with glamour
and dignity in the same fashion as an ancient king.
When Maduwanwela R.M. was seriously ill his family
members graciously called upon Dr. R. L. Spittel to
attend on him. It was really then that he was able
get more intimate details about Maduwanwela R.M. When Dr. R. L. Spittel met him
Maduwanwela R.M. had been 87 years old and had been a resident of Kolonne all his
life and was a hard drinker of champagne.
Describing the Maduwanwela Walauwe the writer says: "We entered the garden
through a carved stone gateway now janitorless. Proceeding along a neglected drive,
flanked at short intervals by broken lamps that toppled on their pedestals, we
reached the house which stood in a clearing at the foot of a wooded hill.

From here came even as we entered, the startled bell of a sambhur followed by the
hungry roar of a leopard....We entered the house by a narrow door-way and came to
a small square courtyard open to the sky with a marble statue in this centre.
Bonding the court-yard was a square verandah, on to which gave the doors of dark
rooms.
In a recess of the verandah, all huddled up on the antique wooden bed on which he
had been born, lay the wizened old chief. Cobwebbed bottles of champagne stood on
the ground by the wall. He was in high fever and his leg was swollen."
Describing the Walauwe in great detail Dr. Spittel wrote: "It was rather a rambling
structure of no set design. The original part of it was very old and considerably
obscured by later renovation.
A satin-wood door three inches thick, showing the dents of Dutch bullets, and a
wooden pillar with scorched base were evidence of siege and arson the old house
had sustained in the days of the Dutch, whose outposts the chiefs of Maduwanwela
continually harassed."......Ancient swords, spears, daggers, ornaments and china, lay
side buy side with crude clay figures and modern garish stuff.
Rare prints of autographed photos of distinguished personages hung on the same
walls......There were massive and elaborately carved pieces of furniture of ebony,
tamarind, calamander and satin-wood. The top of one great table was fashioned
from the disc of a vast jak tree; it was inlaid around its edge with ebony."
Dr. Spittel mentioning about the large and expensive collection of antiques at the
Maduwanwela Walauwe writes: "There were heirlooms there that would have made
the eyes of the collector sparkle with envy; the most valuable part of it being loot
from the last king of Kandy, the Tamil tyrant Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe whom
Maduwanwela's maternal great uncle, Ekneligoda, helped the British to capture.
There were the king's silver plates, cups and saucers and gold betel box.
An Alexandrite pendent, the size of a halved hen egg and the staff of Ehelepola
Adigar, whose children's decapitated heads the cruel king had made their mother
pound in a mortar." One can only wonder where these valuable heirlooms are lying
today!
Maduwanwela R.M. was easily the richest Sinhala chieftain during his time and he
owned very large extent of land in the Sabaragamuwa Province. Describing how he
amassed such a great wealth Dr. Spittel says: "The manner in which a single person
came by such a vast acreage is of interest. The nindagama of Panamure consisting of
54,000 acres was gifted to Maduwanwela's great grandfather by king Sri Wicrema
Rajasinghe....
The nindagama of Maduwanwela, 28,000 acres in extent, was a gift to his ancestor
from Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe.
Maduwanwela R.M.'s hospitality had captured the attention of Dr. R. L. Spittel who
says: "He was a perfect host and always fond of good company. When coffee was in
its glory, every week-end the planters would ride down to his place for tennis, racing
and bibulous merriment. A great friend of the old planters, he helped them many a
time to open their lands, buy drafting to their service at sudden notice a labour force
of even five hundred men."


















Ehelapola the great
(@by Dr. Mirando Abeysekere/The Island)
Ehelapola Maha Adigar or Ehelapola the Great was the leader of the successful coup
against the despot King Sri Wickrema Rajasingha (1798 - 1815). He planned to
overthrow the king because he ruled as a despot and he was a cruel tyrant. Although
the people hated him they were powerless as the king was well guarded by foreign
mercenaries.
Ehelapola, was a pure bred Brahmin and a very devout Buddhist. In addition to that
he was a very loyal, efficient, leader who served the country and the people
faithfully.
He offered his Walawwa to the Maha Sangha and he settled down in Kandy. Now it is
a famous temple situated at Mahawela, Matale. He was a militant chief. This was
partly due to his noble birth and ancestry. His father and all his paternal ancestors
had been devout Buddhists and had served the armies as leaders. It is very relevant
to discuss the illustrious background of Ehelepola Maha Adigar. Hence, I would give a
brief history of his ancestors and close relatives.
Mudaliyar Nandiris Wijesekera of Brahmana Watte Walawwa - Welitota was the
father of the illustrious and brave leader Don Cosmo Wijesekera - Mudaliyar of the
Portuguese Army. According to the records of the Portuguese and Dutch Mudaliyar
Don Cosmo Wijesekera was a key figure in the Portuguese Army. He was almost the
general. His step sister Edanduwawe Gehenu Dissawa - female Dissawa of
Edanduwawe alias Galagoda Swarnapali Kumarihamy was a Dissawa under king
Rajasingha II.
Therefore Don Cosmo had an underground friendship with King Senarath (1604 -
1627). This was because he did not condone the cruelties inflicted on the Sinhalese
by the Portuguese. Although he served as a General in the Portuguese Army inwardly
his objective was to liberate the country from the Portuguese. He knew all the tricks
of the Portuguese militia.
The lion of Randenigala
It was a decisive day for the Sinhala forces of King Senerath. The King sent a secret
message to Don Cosmo through the step sister of Don Cosmo, Edanduwawe
Kumarihamy asking him to help the Sinhala forces. This message was sent for the
sake of Buddhism and the country. Mudaliyar Don Cosmo accepted the king's request
and did his duty as promised.
When the battle started at Randenigala all the regiments under Don Cosmo fought
against the Portuguese. Constantine de Zaa, the leader of the Portuguese army was
beheaded by Don Cosmo himself and his head was sent to king Senerath as proof of
loyalty to the King. The chief reason for the victory of the Sinhala army was the
brave and gallant leadership given to the Sinhala forces by Don Cosmo.
King Senerath was so overjoyed with the victory that he hosted the leaders of the
Sinhala army to a grand reception. Don Cosmo was of course greeted as a hero by
the entire Sinhala population of the country.
Prince Rajasingha, the son of King Senarath embraced the hero Don Cosmo and
exclaimed, 'Don Cosmo! you are more than a brother to me! You had really shown
the calibre of your Brahmin nobility. You have brought honour to all your Brahmin
ancestors.
Thereafter the grateful people of Uva erected a Manor House in the village of
Katugaha and Don Cosmo had two children - a son and daughter. The son Mudaliyar
Theodore Wijesekera married Maria Corea and lived at Rassaya Muna Kanda
Walawwa, Mutwal, Colombo. Theodore Wijesekera's only daughter Catherine married
Kumara Bandara alias Juan Mirando of the Murunda Dynasty. Don Cosmos' only
daughter Helena Swarnapali married Wijesundera Brah-mana Mudiyanse, the Royal
Astrologer of King Rajasinha II. Wijesundara Brah-mana Mudiyanse the Royal
Astrologer and his wife settled down at Katugaha Walawwa as it was given for their
dowry by Mudliyar Don Cosmo.
Ehelepola the First Dissawa of Matale was the son of Wijesundera Brahmana
Mudaliyar of Katugaha Walawwa. Wijesundera Mudi-yanse's daughter, Kumarihamy
married Bandaranayaka Mudiyanse of Chilaw and settled at Katugaha Walawwa after
contracting a Binna marriage. The famous Katugaha Bandara-nayaka Mudiyanse
Dissawa of Uva was his son.
So, Ehelepola alias Chandrasekera Mudiyanse migrated to Matale for Public Service
and settled down at the village of Ehelepola. His ancient Walawwa built at Ehelepola
village is known as 'Nekathge-dera' because he too was an astrologer like his father.
This identical Ehelepola the First had a few children and one daughter got married to
Monarawila Disava a direct descendant of Mona-ravila Danta Brahmana Mudiyanse.
The elder son of Ehelepola the First, Chandrasekera Amara-koon Mudiyanse became
the Ratema-hatmaya, Dissawa and the chief of the Army respectively. He was known
as the 'Padikara Mudiyanse' of Ehelepola. Chandra-sekera Amarakoon Mudiyasne too
followed the footsteps of his parents., married Kosshinna Kumari-hamy of Kosshinna
Brahmana Family. He died of cancer in the jaw. Chandrasekera Amarakoon Mudi-
yanse was the father of Ehelepola Maha Adigar or Ehelepola the Great.
Ehelepola the Great was a very versatile person having a sound knowledge of
English, Pali, Sanskrit and Tamil. He was educated at a Buddhist Pirivena and he
became a Rate Mahatmaya in his youth. At the King's Palace he had a militant look.
According to some historians Haggard, D'Oyly and Donold James the young and
handsome Ehelepola had many clandestine affairs with the concubines in the King's
harem. One day he was caught red handed by the King at the residence of Alutgama
Biso Menike, a woman of the King's harem and the King ordered six strokes to be
delivered with a whip on the back side of the accused. But when the King's
henchmen came to execute the order they were mercilessly assaulted by Ehelepola.
Ehelepola Kumari-hamy was his cousin and he began to love her when she visited
her uncle's Walawwa . The view of the astrologers was that anyone who married her
would be king as her horoscope was very good and powerful. Her uncle
Chandrasekera Mudiyanse used his good offices and saw to it that she married the
daughty warrior Ehelepola.
True to the astrologerss' predi-cations Ehelepola got promotion after promotion and
after the demise of Pilima Talauwa, Ehelepola was promoted to the highest rank of
Maha Adigar. Pilimatalawas, Lewkes and Ratwattas were high class Brahmins.
The King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha being a Waduga by birth always suspected the
noble families and began to eliminate them either by killing them or by forcing them
to flee the Kandyan Kingdom.
The Rev. Paranatala Anunayaka Himi of the Malwatta Chapter, Lewke Nilame,
Halangoda, Aluvihare Bandara, Ratwatte - Devamedde Dissawa, Pilimatalawa Maha
Adigar etc. were all killed on the orders of the despot King.
However Ehelepola remained loyal to the King. But the king lived in fear of Ehelepola
as he was a talented warrior and he feared that one day he might usurp the
Kingship.
During this period the killing of excessive children especially female children was
very common in the Kandyan Kingdom. Ehelepola issued an order that no child
should be killed on that account and that if any family felt that they could not bear
the burden of these excess children that he would help. (PP. 217 - Sinhala Social
Organization).
During a certain period he was the Dissawa of Sathkorale and later on
Sabaragamuwa. When the King's cruelties increased Ehelepola planned a liberation
struggle against the despot. At the preliminary stages he had discreet discussions
with his relations in the maritime provinces those living in Kalutara and Balapitiya.
They were the Mudaliyars of Carlo Walawwa, Mutwal, Nagoda Walawwa, Kalutara
and Maha Kappina Walawwa at Balapitiya. He knew that through the good offices of
his relatives he could obtain the support of fiery Brahmin warriors of southern
province. His chief aim was to liberate the country against Nayakkar rule.
Unfortunately for Ehelepola the King's spies came to learn of this conspiracy and
they scretly informed the King.
'Wal Raja'
The King was not only a despot and cruel tyrant but he was also a highly lecherous
sex maniac. He was popularly known as 'Wal Raja'. No pretty woman was safe from
his lecherous advances. Through fear of reprisals by the King many women gave in
to his advances.
The King now made an order for the arrest of Ehelepola. He was in a frenzy but he
knew that it was a very difficult task as Ehelepola was also influentical and powerful.
The Maha Adigar went from place to place incognito and finally he sought refuge in
the low country. Gradually the British too came to know of the presence of the Maha
Adigar in their territory. To make things easy for him Maha Mudliyar Adrian de Abrew
Rajapaksha of Maha Kapina Walawwa, Welitota introduced him to the British. (*ola
manuscript of Nilgalle Walawwa)
When the king found that he could not have Ehelepola arrested, he arrested his wife,
children and sister. He told the wife and sister that unless both of them agreed to
have sex with him they would be killed. They refused and they were killed.
The ideology of the the Kandyan Convention was conceived at the discussion
between Ehelepola, Brownrigg and Maha Mudaliyar Rajapaksha at the premises of
'Carlo Walawwa' in Mutwal. According to the reports of J. Campbel and A. C. Lawrie
the British Governor had promised to appoint Ehelepola Maha Adigar, as Sub King of
Kandy, but the British who were experts at the policy of 'divide and rule' offered the
same post to Ehelepola.
After the deportation of King Sri Wickrema Rajasingha and the signing of the
Kandyan Convention the entire island came under the rule of the British. The hero
and the mastermind behind all these machinations was none other than Ehelepola
the Great.
Col. John Davy had stated that Ehelepola was promised several honours and titles
but he wanted none other than the Sub Kingship of Kandy. The Uva rebellion of 1818
which was a spontaneous rebellion erupted as a result of the cruelties inflicted by the
British rulers on the people. Elelepola appointed his brother-in-law Mona-ravila
Keppitipola to be in charge of the area under rebellion but as history reveals he
joined the rebels and became their leader. The rebellion was doomed to fail as it was
badly organized and was no match for the modern arms of the British.
Although Ehelepola helped the British to oust the despot king the British were always
suspicious of him because he was very clever. They thought that after ousting the
king he might try to oust the British from Kandy and become King. Ehelepola had all
the qualifications and the intellect to be the king but the British were not even willing
to make him the Sub King.
It was a convention and a privilege that if there was no suitable person to be the
King a Brahmin was appointed. That is how after the demise of King Vijaya (543 -
505. B.C.) Saligrama Brahmin Upatissa became king.
Ehelepola the Great, former Maha Adigar, a pure bred Brahmin Buddhist overthrew
the cruel and despot King and tried to restore peace in Kandy with the help of the
British. Naturally he also wanted a due place and wanted to be the Sub King but the
British who secretly had other ideas did not give him his due place. As the people
were disunited and disorganized he was unable to achieve his final objective of
overthrowing the British and restoring the Kandyan Kingdom to the rightful owners -
the people.
Ehelepola was banished to Mauritius and passed away on the 5th of April at Pampla
Mousasou in the year 1829. Elelepola was a hero and a martyr and Lanka should be
proud of him.
May his name live for long years to come and may be attain the Supreme Bliss of
Nibbana.



The Fall of Sri Wickrema Rajasinha and The Kandyan
Convention
by Aryadasa Ratnasinghe
"Let by the invitation of the chiefs and welcomed by the acclamations of the people,
the forces of His Britannic Majesty, have entered the Kandyan territory and
penetrated to the capital. Divine Providence has blessed their efforts with uniform
success and complete victory. The ruler of the interior provinces has fallen into their
hands and the government remains at the disposal of His Majesty's Representative".
Official Bulletin No. 1
On March 2, 1815, a conference was held in the Audience hall of the Palace of
Kandy, between the Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg and the Principal chiefs of the
Kandyan provinces and other subordinate headmen from different provinces, amidst
a great concourse of people.
A public instrument of treaty embodying the Official Declaration of the Settlement of
the Kandyan Provinces, known as the Kandyan Convention, was produced and
publicly read in both English by Jas Sutherland, the Deputy Secretary to the
Governor, and in Sinhala by the Mudliyar Abraham de Saram, and was unanimously
assented to.
The British flag (Union Jack) was then, for the first time hosted and the
establishment of the British dominion in the interior was announced by a royal salute
from the cannon of the city. Attention was drawn of the British garrison, and all
troops were under arms on the occasion of this historical and important event. This
important document was listened to with profound and respectful attention by the
chiefs with marked expression of cordial assent.
The Portuguese ruled the maritime settlements of Sri Lanka for 153 years (1505-
1658), the Dutch for 138 years (1658-1796) and the British for 19 years (1796-
1815).
Thereafter, with the annexation of the Kandyan kingdom by the Convention, the
British became the sole rulers of the island, and administered the country for 133
years, until Independence in 1948.
Since 1739, for 76 years, the Kandyan kingdom was ruled by the Nayakkar kings
from Malabar in South India, the last in the line was Sri Wickrema Rajasinha, who in
his childhood days was known as Prince Kannasamy, the son of Venkata Perumal,
who was the Chief Priest of the Rameshwaram Hindu Temple in the Gulf of Mannar.
The antagonism of the Kandyan chiefs towards the Nayakkar kings paved way for
their unpopularity. On the other hand, the king and the chiefs struggled for
supremacy.
The main reason for the fall of the Kandyan kingdom was the disunity between the
king and his chiefs. While the king tried to curb the growing power of the chiefs, the
chiefs, in their turn, attempted to work out their plans for the destruction of the king.
The people harassed by the chiefs, put the blame on the king and wished that the
British would come to their rescue. The king harassed by the complaints of the
people, treated the chiefs with severity which began to increase their hatred towards
him. Thus the chiefs, accused by the people and punished by the king, turned to the
British.
John D'Oyly, the British agent of revenue, seizing the opportunity, fanned the flames
of discontent between the king and the chiefs in order to reduce the Sinhala kingdom
and to accept the terms of the British.
The Maha Adikaram Pilimatalawwe Wijeyesundera Rajakaruna Seneviratne
Abayakoon Panditha Mudiyanse, who was elevated to the Prestigious position of
Maha Adikaram in 1790, by king Rajadhi Rajasinha, when he was under the zenith of
power, approached the British to work out his plan to secure the throne.
But, the crown was still beyond his grasp. He, therefore, wishing to secure it for his
son, arranged that he should marry the natural grand-daughter of the late king Kirti
Sri Rajashinha (1747-1780).
This was more than what the king could stand. He, accordingly, summoned the Maha
Adikaram to appear before the 'maha naduwa' (the great case), accused him of
being the author of all the cruel and unpopular activities of his reign, and deposed
him from his office and imprisoned him. However, he was later set free and allowed
to go home.
In kandy, there had never been an ex-Adikaram, for good reason, either died in
harness during imprisonment, or was executed when deposed. But, in reality, the
king was apprehensive to offend the most gracious family of the Maha Adikaram, and
so spared his life.
The fallen chief Pilimatalawwe, in his rage for retributive justice, now planned to
assassinate the king. He bribed the Malay Muhandiram and told him to enter the
king's bedroom and stab him on a given day.
The plan did not materialise as he was caught while inside the bedroom. After
enquiry, those involved in the incident were arrested, along with Pilimatalawwe, his
son and son-in-law, and all were condemned to death. Pilimatalawwe and his
accomplice Ratwatte Wijeyewardena Seneviratne Pandita Abayakoon Mudiyanse were
beheaded, but the son was spared at the intercession of some chiefs who were in the
good books of the king.
Having been placed on the throne by the king's professed benefactor Pilimatalawwe,
when the prince was 18 years old, the king could not condemn him to death so easily
as others. But, the turn of events compelled him to do so for high treason.
Pilimatalawwe was, in reality, an inveterate and an intriguing enemy, a faithless
minister, a hostile neighbour and a powerful and an ambitious person, who was
always ready to encourage traitors to achieve his own ends. Under these
circumstances, the throne was surrounded by the most embarrassing perplexities
and complexities, which would have, doubtless, required a person of great talent and
patience to surmount.
Terrified by the past and apprehensive of the future, and intent of his own security,
regardless of consequences, the king showed himself a perfect tyrant, destitute of
religious feelings and without moral principles, either human or divine. The episodes
of his womanizing, drinking and debauchery disclosed his way of life caused mostly
by mental distractions.
After the transfer of power with the surrender of the Dutch in Colombo, Frederick
North (Earl of Guildford), arrived in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1798, as the first
British colonial governor of the maritime settlements, displacing Brigadier-General
Pierre Frederic de Mauron, who was a military governor.
The Maha Adikaram Pilimatalawe, the most powerful chief of the Royal Court, who
secretly aspired to wear the crown, by deposing the king, had an interview with the
Governor North at Sitawaka (now Avissawella) and requested the British to take
possession of the Kandyan kingdom and uphold him in the throne, after deposing the
king, in return for liberal trade concessions.
Governor North, sensing what was boiling in the political pot, and not particularly
interested in internal warfare, indignantly refused to accept the offer for territorial
aggrandizement, broke off dealings with the Maha Adikaram, but in the courses of
subsequent interviews with the Governor's Secretary, he understood that the British
were ready to undertake and protect the kingdom and uphold him in power, provided
that the king's life and dynasty were preserved inviolate and that the British given
the effective control of trade and military administration of the provinces.
When the king became aware what was going on between the Maha Adikaram and
the British Governor North and the plan to dethrone the king, he began to chafe
under restraint and tried to break away from the intriguing chief.
In the meantime it was resolved that Gen. Hay Macdowall should proceed on an
embassy to meet the king, ostensibly to congratulate him on his accession to the
throne, but in reality, to obtain his consent to the terms suggested in making the
Kandyan kingdom a British protectorate. But it turned out to be a flop.
On March 11, 1812, Lieut-Gen. Sir Robert Brownrigg assumed duties as the
Governor, and his regime was noted specially for the annexation of the Kandyan
kingdom to the British Crown and making the whole country a crown colony.
The confusion and disorder in the city of Kandy seemed to Brownrigg and D'Oyly a
suitable opportunity to carry out their policy of territorial expansion. Accordingly, the
Governor Brownrigg received Ehelepola Wijayasundera Wickremasinghe
Chandrasekera Amarakoon Wasala Mudiyanse (who succeeded Pilimatalawe) alias
Ehelepola Maha Adikaram at the Governor's residence in Mount Lavinia.
On this ex-parte representation of Ehelepola who rebelled against the king, the
Governor promised him his favour and protection. The idea of sending an expedition
to Kandy now seemed feasible.
The Maha Adikaram worked out the plan of operation and the Governor hastened to
prepare and equip the forces in readiness to warfare. War was declared against the
king of Kandy on January 10, 1815.
On February 14, 1815, a British division entered Kandy and took possession of the
city and Ehelepola as sent to capture the king who had by then fled the city for
safety. His hiding place was soon discovered at a place closer to Meda Mahanuwara
in Kandy.
The party consisted of John D'Oyly, Capt. Hardy, Major Lionel C. Hooke, Ehelepola
Nilame, Pilimatalawe Dissawa, Don Andryas Wijesinha Jayawardena Tamby Mudaly,
Mudaliyar Dias Abeysingha, Ekneligoda Nilame, the Mohottalas Kawdumune,
Kurandumune, Torawature, Delwala, Mahawalatenna and others.
Four days later, the unfortunate king was bound, plundered of his valuable as well as
those of his consorts, and as dragged away with the greatest indignity by the
supporters of Ehelepola, and was brought to Colombo for deportation to Vellore in
South India, where his consorts and other kith and kin of the Malabar dynasty were
interned in the beautiful mansion of Tippu Sahib, the Sultan of Mysore, acquired by
the Indian government.
The Official Declaration of the Settlement of the Kandyan provinces expressly
declared the principles of which the future government of the island under the British
Crown would be based.
It consisted 12 clauses, viz: 1. Sri Wickrema Rajasinha, the Malabari king to forfeit
all claims to the throne of Kandy. 2. The king is declared fallen and deposed and the
hereditary claim of his dynasty, abolished and extinguished. 3. All his male relatives
are banished from the island. 4.
The dominion is vested in the sovereign of the British Empire, to be exercised
through colonial governors, except in the case of the Adikarams, Disavas,
Mohottalas, Korales, Vidanes and other subordinate officers reserving the rights,
privileges and powers within their respective ranks. 5. The religion of the Buddha is
declared inviolable and its rights to be maintained and protected. 6. All forms of
physical torture and mutilations are abolished. 7.
The governor alone can sentence a person to death and all capital publishments to
take place in the presence of accredited agents of the government. 8. All civil and
criminal justice over Kandyan to be administered according to the established norms
and customs of the country, the government reserving to itself the rights of
interposition when and where necessary. 9. Over non-Kandyans the position to
remain according to British law. 10.
The proclamation annexing the Three and Four Korales and Sabaragamuwa is
repealed. 11. The dues and revenues to be collected for the King of England as well
as for the maintenance of internal establishments in the island. 12. The Governor
alone would facilitate trade and commerce."
The Kandyan Convention was forthwith proclaimed with an eye to the public outside
Kandy. The British government had to justify to the world that they had no intention
for territorial aggrandizement in seizing a neighbouring kingdom.
For this justification, it was necessary to show to the public that the British had only
acted on the pressing needs of the public, who wished a change in the government
to overcome the oppressive behaviour of the tyrant king.
Accordingly, the king's enormities were recounted with emphasis and the unanimous
invitation of the British by the people and the chiefs was expressed in no
exaggerated language, reminding one of the letters in which Napoleon Bonaparte
(1769-1821), the French General, Consul and Emperor, announced to King George
III (1738-1820) of Great Britain and Ireland, his assumption of the throne of France
after the Battle of Waterloo.
The news of annexation of Kandy to the maritime provinces of the island reached
England on the same day as the news of the Battle of Waterloo and as a
consequence passed unnoticed.
The British, as a matter of policy, did not carry out proselytising campaigns to
convert Buddhists to Christianity, as their Portuguese and Dutch predecessors had
done.
The laying of the railway, the opening of coffee and tea plantations, road
development schemes, establishment of hospitals and maternity homes throughout
the island, were some of the major works undertaken by the British who ruled Sri
Lanka.