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Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage
King Rajasinghe of Sitawaka kingdom was one of the main characters in the history of Sri Lanka. He was born as Tikiri Bandara to king Mayadunne of Sitawaka. He was only 12 years old when he led the first battle against his brother-in-law Veediye Bandara’ when his fort at Pelenda was attacked chasing him down to Deundara. Veediye Bandara re-grouped with the troops of the Kandyan leader and reached Salpiti Korale to attack Sitawaka troops. He was defeated by Tikiri Bandara again. He fled to the Kandyan Kingdom and returned to Alut Nuwara with the troops of the Kandyan king. After a fierce battle at Alutnuwara, Veediye Bandara was decisively defeated by Tikiri Bandara. This battle earned him the name Rajasinhe, the Lion King.
He also led the bloody battle of Mulleriyawa against the Portuguese army who were equipped with more advanced firepower. Sinhalese army simply equipped with swords and their ancient fighting method called Angam Pora, defeated the entire Portuguese army. Accounts indicate the vast paddy field in Mulleriyawa turned red with the blood of the dead Portuguese soldiers. This was the greatest defeat a European army ever had in an Asian land. It remains that way. According to Queros, though he solicited the support of the Malabar coast or Kerala troops, the non-availability of a naval fleet affected his endeavors to cleanse the country from invaders despite his remarkable siege at Colombo Fort.
King Rajasinghe I appointed a South Indian, named Aritta Kivendu as his chief adviser and acted on his advice. He was awarded the title Mannamperuma Mohottala and converted himself to Hinduism. He was reported to have settled Brahmans at significant Buddhist sites such as sigiriya, sri pada, etc.
Under the advice of Mannamperuma Mohottala, he razed many Buddhist religious sites to the ground. The discontent among the Buddhist public and prelates was a major reason for the downfall of the kingdom. Mandaram pura puwatha reported that in one place 121 monks were killed by Rajasinha who was suspected of rebelling against him. Support of the maha sangha was a pillar of strength for Mayadunne and Tikiri Bandara to mobilize the public support for the sitawaka kingdom rapidly eroded.
His last battle was with Konappu Bandara who was attempting the free the Kandyan Kingdom from Sitawaka Kingdom. At a decisive battle at Balana, Rajasinghe’s troops led by the king himself lost to the army of Konappu Bandara (who later ascended to Kandyan throne as the Vimala Dharmasuriya 1) and withdrew to retreat to the royal park at Pethangoda. It is said that at this park he was stuck by a fatal bamboo splinter in the foot. This story however is subject to debate. Some say it was the bite of a cobra that inhabited the bamboo grove that killed the king.
It is said that the body of the king was brought back to Sitawaka Kingdom over the river and buried at this location
Also See
Map of The Tomb of Sitawaka Rajasinghe I
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Travel Directions to The Tomb of Sitawaka Rajasinghe I
| Route from Colombo to Tomb of Rajasinghe 1 of Seetawake | Route from Kuruwita to Tomb of Rajasinghe 1 of Seetawake |
| Through : Kaduwela – Avissawella Distance : 55 km Travel time : 1.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Talduwa – Meewitigammana Road Distance : 4 km Travel time : 10 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
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