Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’, the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history

The mighty warriors arrive at Magama
1 King Kavan Tissa was in deep thought. “These princes are stubborn. They will definitely confront the Tamils one day. I’m unable to prevent them from going to war. They do not listen to any advice, in this connection. Tamils are very powerful. True, they have to be chased away. In a way, the princes are right. My only problem is, that they do not understand the gravity of it. It is my duty now to support them by enrolling soldiers to the army”.

2 As King Elara was a just ruler, people liked him. It was not an easy task to convince his people to go against him. The people in ‘Raja Rata’, had accepted him as their ruler. Those who live beyond the river were not disturbed by him. He respected the law, to the very letter, and would not hesitate to pronounce punishment on the wrong-doers, however powerful they may be.

3 It is interesting to note that most of Elara’s ministers were Sinhalese and Buddhists too. Not even they, would cross over to our side. The best I could do is to get the entire Southern Province, placed on a war footing. Enrol every youth as a soldier. This has to be initiated immediately”, thought the king. He summoned all those who were well versed in war-fare to Magama. They were gifted land and were encouraged to take residence in Magama itself.

4 King Kavan Tissa then sent envoys in all directions to get powerful warriors to assemble at Magama. He started an accelerated agricultural programme in the south. The newly enrolled soldiers were given the necessary military training at various centers. Houses were built with all the conveniences.

5 By the time King Kavan Tissa finalized all this ground work, Prince Gamini had reached his 16th birthday. Both princes were then sent to learn the art of warfare. They had to learn horse riding, riding on elephants and the art of fighting with the armament of the day – the sword and the bow and arrow. The princes showed a keen interest and a great liking to learn all this. They mastered everything. Prince Gamini showed an exceptional talent in warfare. The queen mother, Vihara Mahadevi, encouraged her sons, King Kavan Tissa was happy to notice the sons mastering the art of warfare.

6 In the meantime, the envoys who were sent throughout the country, brought good news about nine warriors. The king made arrangements to bring them to Magama. Velusumana, by then, was already in the king’s service. The king made special arrangements to have the warriors in the city and the two princes were made to associate with them.

7 If we were to name the ten warriors, they were Velusumana, Nandimitra, Suranimala, Mahasona, Gothaimbara, Theraputtabhaya, Bharana, Khanjadeva, Phussadeva and Labhiyavasabha. These ten warriors had already learnt the art of fighting. But King Kavan Tissa saw to it, that they were given a systematic training. Once they were trained, he instructed them to bring ten warriors each. When it was done, the new ones too were given a proper training.

8 After their period of training, the new warriors were asked to enroll ten more warriors each. They traveled all over and managed to accomplish the task. All new recruits were given a proper training. In this manner eleven thousand and one hundred warriors were recruited. Having accomplished his task, the king was contented.

By Halaliye Karunathilaka
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

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