New cities around Colombo
View(s):This article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa,’ the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
By Halaliye Karunathilake, Edited and translated by Kamala Silva, Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila
As there were no threats from enemies in the city of Colombo, the areas close to Colombo developed to be minor cities. Modera and St. Sebastian were two such examples. King Vimaladharma was offended when the Portuguese took over the administration of the country.
Though he wrested kingship by force, he was the husband of Dona Catherina who had the real right to the throne. With this marriage, he acquired the qualifications for kingship. Thus, he thought he was by right the King of Kotte as well.
King Vimaladharma Suriya was a person who was educated by the Portuguese and a person who lived with them. Due to this fact, he knew the Portuguese strategies of war and even their weaknesses.
Being the only Sinhala king of the island, he saw to the well-being of all the people. He helped them when necessary. Similarly, the people who had run away from the Portuguese and the rebels who had revolted against the Portuguese, were often helped by this king. After the death of Don Juan Dharmapala, King Vimaladharma Suriya began to trouble the Portuguese.
He got friendly with Denawaka Mayadunne and Simon Corea. He sent an army towards the boundary of the Matara Dissawary, against SamarakoonMudali who was loyal to the Portuguese who had set up camp at Katuwana.
Mudliyar Samarakoon did not retreat. He launched a severe attack on the army that came from Kandy. The armies of Kandy too were not afraid.
They were ready for a fight and caused much loss to Samarakoon Mudali. Then he got down another contingent of soldiers. The enemy forces were divided into two and he succeeded in defeating Denawaka Mayadunne. He also caused a lot of harm to the other section of the army. Another set of Portuguese troops were dispatched to Sabaragamuwa.
King Philip of Portugal who heard of the victories of Samarakoon Mudali, was quite happy. He made him a knight of the class named ‘Order of Christ’.
King Philip also made arrangements for Samarakoon Mudali to get an income for his subsistence. It is Mudliyar Samarakoon who was the first to be made a Knight by a foreign power. In the meantime, King Vimaladharma Suriya came to the Four Korales and set up camp at Iddamalpana. The mercenary soldiers of the Portuguese army were against them and they went to the king. Meanwhile, Mudliyar Gaspar Corea, who opposed the king and the Portuguese soldiers were all killed by the Kandyan army.
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