The Portuguese delegates who went to the king
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The Dutch always tried to please the officers who were serving under them. They were settled in close proximity to the forts and were given all comforts. In most places where the Portuguese clergy had opened up connections, the Dutch started schools.
Most of the Catholic priests visited this area stealthily. Meanwhile the Portuguese were sandwiched between blows from both sides. As a result they were inactive. In 1645, Don Philip Mascarenhas left the island. In his place, came Manuel Mascarenhas Homem.
Ten such schools were opened. The people in these areas had a special preference for the Portuguese religion and even their rule. The Dutch realized this situation. Hence they prohibited any Catholic priest access to that area. Rules were laid down to keep them away.
This new Captain General had to face a serious problem. That was to preserve the peace between the Portuguese and King Rajasinghe. Manuel Homem was not happy that the king had got angry with the Portuguese.
He thought of making friends with the king once again. For this purpose, he sent delegates to Kandy. At this time, the king’s idea was that one European nation should be made to go against another European nation. With this in mind, he wanted to make the Dutch more and more jealous. So he welcomed the Portuguese delegates very warmly.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila