The Portuguese Period
Once the Portuguese landed in Sri Lanka in 1505 AD, their first task was to erect and maintain a stores for arms, with the permission of the King of Kotte. Their leader from 1505 – 1507 was only an officer (Mudliyar) in charge of the stores. From 1507 – 1518, the officer resided in Kotte.
During this period, a number of Portuguese army units came both to Kotte and Kandy, to provide assistance. Most of these soldiers settled down in Sri Lanka. Their second phase was the promise to protect King Dharmapala from Mayadunne.
In 1518 AD, they were able to build a fort in Colombo. The officer in charge of this was Captain Don Juan Silveria, by name. But there was opposition from the Sinhala and Muslim communities. As a result, in 1542 AD, they gave up the fort. But till 1551 AD, the Portuguese authority was exercised by the officer in charge of the Fort (Captain).
Then it became necessary for the Portuguese to erect a fort in Colombo again. They stationed soldiers in Kotte to protect the city. Their third phase of activity was the Proclamation that the Kingdom of Kotte will fall under the King of Portugal and it will be their possession after the death of King Don Juan Dharmapala.
Then they started their rule straight away.
By 1658 AD, the Dutch conquered their fortresses. The Portuguese by nature, were a cruel people. On many an occasion, they killed innocent people. They were harsh in their dealings. But this harshness was limited to occasions where the Sinhala people revolted against them.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila