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Photo by Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Prince Tikiri Bandara, later renowned as King Rajasinghe I of Sitawaka, was the son of King Mayadunne. Even at the tender age of twelve, he displayed remarkable martial prowess. When his sister’s husband, Veediye Bandara, attacked Sitawaka forces at Pelenda, the young prince pursued him to Deundara, routed his troops again at Salpiti Korale, and forced him to flee to the Kandyan Kingdom. Bringing a Kandyan army back to Alutnuwara, Tikiri Bandara soundly defeated Veediye Bandara a third time. It was this display of courage and strength that earned him the title Rajasinghe, the Lion King.
Rajasinghe’s military genius shone brightest at the Battle of Mulleriyawa, where his largely unarmored forces, armed only with swords and employing the indigenous Angam Pora fighting style, annihilated a well-armed Portuguese contingent.
Contemporary accounts describe the vast Mulleriyawa paddy fields running red with the blood of the invaders, marking one of the greatest defeats inflicted upon a European army in Asia. Despite seeking support from troops along the Malabar Coast, his lack of naval power prevented him from expelling the Portuguese from Colombo Fort.
Under his reign, Rajasinghe appointed a South Indian advisor, Aritta Kivendu, who received the title Mannamperuma Mohottala. Influenced by this counsel, the king converted to Hinduism and settled Brahmins at prominent Buddhist locations such as Sigiriya and Sri Pada. He also sanctioned the destruction of numerous Buddhist shrines—a policy that deeply alienated the Sangha and eroded the kingdom’s popular support. Chroniclers record that in one instance, as many as 121 monks were killed on suspicion of conspiracy.
The king’s final campaign was against Konappu Bandara—the future Vimaladharmasuriya I—who sought to liberate Kandy from Sitawaka’s rule. At the decisive Battle of Balana, Rajasinghe’s forces were defeated, forcing him to retreat to the royal park at Pethangoda. According to legend, he suffered a mortal wound, either from a bamboo splinter or a venomous cobra bite, while at the park. His body was carried back across the river to Sitawaka, where he was laid to rest.
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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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