King Rajasinghe captures Negombo
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A Dutch leader named Adrian Vander Stella was sent to bring back the soldiers from Pannare in Seven Korales. He went there and had behaved in a disrespectful manner. The soldiers of King Rajasinghe killed him and besieged the camp.
As the Dissawa of Negombo had to surrender to the king, there was no chance for the Dutch to get the gains and benefits they expected. Jan Maetsuyker, who was angered over this, sent a letter to the king asking whether he was preparing for peace or for war.
As the king’s solders held fast to the camp they besieged for eight long days consecutively, the soldiers in the camp had to surrender.
As a result another group of the soldiers were captured and those who were in the camp were all sent to Kandy as prisoners. By this time, King Rajasinghe won over Negombo and had brought it under his control.
The Dutch leader threatened to capture Batticaloa, Kottiyar and Trincomalee. As threatened, he captured Batticaloa and Trincomalee. This led to a big dispute. The king did not send replies to any letters sent by the governor.
Lands in Negombo and Galle were under the government agents of the king. As a result the Dutch could not get the gains they expected from these lands. Meanwhile both parties agreed to come to peace. This decision was taken on 1647 AD.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila