This article is part of a continuing series on the 'Mahavamsa,' the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history

Commander Sanka

By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

1. "My dear Commanders, you have to bear one thing in mind. The age of a leader is immaterial. What really matters is skill, the power and the ability to come to correct decisions. So please do remember that my intentions are pure. They are all for the good of my country. All I want is to unite this country which is divided. Let my step-father's army come chasing me. I am not afraid. I shall leave now," said the prince. Then he went in search of the Commander Sanka. As to the exact time of these events, it is believed to have been around 1136 AD.

2. Now the commanders were not in a position to desert the prince. So they followed him. Commander Sanka, with his soldiers, was already marching towards them, ready to fight. But Sanka changed his mind as soon as he saw Prince Parakramabahu. He was frightened, but hiding that, he showed an undue affection. He took the prince to his palace. There the prince was well entertained with delicious food. But by letter, Sanka sent a secret message to King Kitsirimegha.

3. This message was to convey that Prince Parakramabahu was safe and at the moment he was with him. However, the prince was rather suspicious about the special attention shown by Sanka. Yet, he took care not to show it. Meanwhile, Sanka thought that the prince was deceived. He showed a great affection to the prince and tried to separate him from his supporters.

4. Prince Parakramabahu's suspicion grew as Sanka provided accommodation for the prince, in his own palace. The crowd that followed the prince were also viewing this with suspicion. He thought that he should act before Sanka. He sent for one of his commanders and kept him, along with him. Though Sanka did not approve of this, the prince ignored him.

5. Sanka was quiet for a while. The prince and his loyal commander were secretly discussing what would follow. The prince told the commander, "I am sure Sanka is trying to stop us here. He may be planning to hand all of us to my step-father and earn a good name. If that happens, all our hopes will be ruined and we will turn into prisoners. We should act immediately. Moreover, we have to finish Sanka."

Then the commander asked the prince what could be done. He told the prince, "Look here, Prince, we are in his palace and in his domain. He is a shrewd one. We should not fall victim." Then the prince said, "He normally comes alone, when he visits me to look into my comforts. As he comes in, you should strike and kill him." The commander agreed and both of them remained quiet for some time.

7. Moments later, Commander Sanka came to see the prince. The commander struck at once and killed Sanka. This caused a big commotion. The prince's supporters acted fast. They joined the prince. Sanka's soldiers were running amok. The prince and his soldiers were watching the situation. Then one of Sanka's
soldiers came towards the prince with his sword drawn. He announced that he was ready to take revenge for killing his leader.

8. Then Prince Parakramabahu pushed all his soldiers back. He took his sword and went bravely towards the enemy. He frowned at Sanka's soldier and stood motionless. The soldier could only raise his head and look straight into the face of the prince.