The peace proposal of King Senarath
Antonio Baretto came to Sabaragamuwa. He attacked the Portuguese fortress there and captured the army unit that guarded the army camp. He went to Raigam Korale and conquered that too. In the meantime, the mercenary army that was in Matara fled.
The Government Agent of Matara, came to Galle for safety reasons. Once again, the Portuguese went to fight the rebels. The rebels were badly beaten and the villages they had conquered were destroyed. They went in search of Nikapitiya and Baretto but failed to catch them.
By this time, Nikapitiya was in Anuradhapura. After getting this news, the Portuguese went to Anuradhapura. However, Nikapitiya had fled by then. The Portuguese chased after him, The Portuguese were able to capture Nikapitiya’s soldiers who remained there. The Portuguese were also able to capture the rebels of the Seven Korales.
The chiefs who were in the Four Korales, came to Malwana. This was done to receive honours from the General. Thereafter, arrangements were made to protect the Seven Korales from any invasion. Meanwhile, King Senarath thought of taking the side of the Portuguese, who were against Nikapitiya – who happened to be angry with him.
The king sent a messenger, requesting them to send a delegate to discuss peace. Thinking this to be a ploy, the Portuguese shot and killed the messenger who was sent. Nikapitiya and King Senarath had got angry over a marriage proposal. It was because Nikapitiya had proposed to marry the daughter of Dona Catherina.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by
Kamala Silva
Illustrated by
Saman Kalubowila