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

Prince Wickrama-Pandu

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

1. Prince Wickramapandu thought that it was the most opportune time and that he should make the best of it. He came to Sri Lanka in 1042 AD, accompanied by an army. He camped in 'Kalu-tota.' The arrival of this prince in the country, brought about a 'Reawakening' in the Ruhuna. The people were delighted to receive him. They made him their leader. This prince too tried his best to carry on a good form of administration.

2. He was kind to his subjects and was generously helping those who needed his help. The people became attached to him and thy respected him too. This unity in the south was seen as a threat to the Cholas. They stopped coming to the South as before and stopped exercising their power in the South. The people of the South were quite unconcerned about the attitude of the Cholas. They cultivated their lands and tried to develop the South. Their efforts bore fruit, when their granaries were full and the entire south, enjoyed a period of prosperity.

3. Meanwhile, there came another hostile force. That was an army from Ayodhya, under the leadership of a prince named Jagathpala. This prince belonged to the 'Rama' tribe, which was supposed to be the highest among royalty. Prince Wickramapandu was greatly angered by this action, because they had entered the province without any permission.

4. He soon gathered his army and attacked Jagathpala's camp. The army that came from Ayodhya, expected this turn of events. Their armies were also strong. Both parties fought bravely, displaying their skill in warfare. The battle became more serious than expected. Time passed. A lot of life was lost. Blood just flowed by. Gradually the Sinhala army was weakened. The army of Ayodhya won.

5. Prince Wickramapandu died in the battlefield. It was 1043 AD, and so his rule lasted only for one year. This short period however, was a period of prosperity to the South. It is Prince Jagathpala who came into power next. The provincial leaders didn't approve of his rule. The people too did not like him. They could not love him, the way they loved Wickramapandu. But Prince Jgathpala was determined to be indifferent to all this.

6. This prince was wise. Even when people showed signs of dislike, he continued to be kind to them. He tried to rule the province well. The people thought of making use of the opportunity and showed a fake loyalty to him. The people never like a foreign ruler. They were prepared to overlook the mistakes committed by our own rulers. The people loved and protected the Sinhala leaders.

7. The people of Ruhuna are so wonderful, that they were not reluctant to even offer their lives for their rulers. The Sinhala rulers knew this characteristic in them. That is why in the face of danger, especially from foreign enemies, they always fled to the South. Armies were very often organized from the South. Whenever the country faced danger, the youth of the South stood up, for the country. They with their sweat and blood, fought for an independent country. In short, Ruhuna became the 'Victory Ground' of the Sinhala people.

8. Meanwhile, the Cholas realized that the people of the South, detested foreigners. They wanted to chase away Prince Jagathpala. A Chola army went to the South. They started ruining the villages. Prince Jagathpala came to fight the enemy. A battle ensued. A lot of lives were lost. As the forces of the Cholas were greater in number, they proved to be very powerful.