General Don George Almeida was not one who won the hearts of the Sinhalese people. As a result the people complained against him. The officer in Goa, who went into these complaints dismissed Almeida from his post. In 1633, Diego Demelo de Castro was appointed as the Captain General.

The king was against any fighting. So he went on to explain that his representatives who went to Goa, had agreed to the terms of the peace treaty without his consent. He added that he would agree to peace if the condition of tribute was dropped.

Because King Senarat resisted the proposals made in Goa, the new General was angry. He decided to besiege Kandy. He marched there with an army. King Senarat was wise to stay in Ganetenna with tight security.

General Castro rejected that suggestion. Their armies marches from Menikadawara to Attapitiya. King Senarat who was devastated after several fights, finally agreed to the following conditions laid down in Goa. That was to pay tribute, return whatever territories acquired and set free the prisoners.

This brought both parties to the situation that prevailed before General De Saa. Meanwhile, the complaints made against George De Almeida were looked into once again in Goa. He was acquitted of all charges. Then it was decided to make him the Captain General again and was sent to Sri Lanka.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

Kids world

‘Let There Be Dance’