The battle at Obada

By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Niluka De Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

1. As the armies were marching along the coast-line, Commander Rakkha – the Tamil Adikari, entered Denawaka, along with his troops. This commander was in the habit of taking hasty decisions to earn a quick victory. He was rather careless in marching across the Atakalampanna Korale. There were enemies following him.

2. Whatever areas, Commander Rakkha had conquered, had been occupied once again by the enemy. So he had to retreat to Denawaka. He had to start his struggle once more, from the very beginning. He decided to be extra careful this time. So whenever he conquered a certain area, he tried to stabilize his power there. He established an orderly administration in these areas and appointed officials for this purpose.

3. This action made things difficult for the enemy. The enemy had to retreat now. They erected a fortress in a place called Dandaava, close to Kahawatta, by digging trenches and providing all forms of security.

Commander Rakkha attacked this fortress as well. To make matters worse, the armies of King Parakramabahu conquered Tambagamuva, situated close to Madampe. This area was conquered after serious fighting, which continued day and night.

4. This commander then attacked Dandaava, won it over and stayed there for a few days. He thought of making this area secure enough to enable him to proceed on his other ventures. Troops were sent in different directions. These armies fought at places like Bogahawela, Binnegama and Buthkanda.

5. They succeeded in defeating the enemy and marching forward. As they advanced, the enemy retreated to areas around the mountains, passing Urubokka and Beralapanathara. They went as far as the border of Giruwa Pattu. These victorious contingents were followed by the main army of the Tamil Adikari Rakkha. This army was commanded by Vedamma.

6. Meanwhile, the enemy was getting ready for battle. They were camped in the area named Obada, to the north-west of Weeraketiya. Commander Rakkha got to know this.

He, who was in Mahasengama at the time, lost no time in collecting another army to march to Obada. There, a serious battle was fought. Fortunately, this commander's soldiers were really skilled in warfare. They were bent on defeating the enemy and as such were not at all frightened. They displayed their skill in fighting.

7. The enemy forces were simply shocked at their skill. They found it difficult even to flee. Most of them died on the battle-field. The Commander-in-Chief of these soldiers too had to suffer death at the hands of the soldiers of Commander Rakkha. Thus the army of Rakkha was able to win over the entire area there.

8. Their next intention was to go to Rambha Vihara. It was King Parakramabahu's order to conquer that area. Here too, it was this clever warrior, Commander Rakkha, who was in charge of the march. He undertook the task. Without much fighting, that area too was brought under their control.