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

Prince Devamalla

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

1. The army of Commabnder Lokeshwara had set up camp, planning to attack Prince Keerti at any moment. Prince Keerti acted first. Suddenly he attacked Lokeshwara's camp. Though not quite prepared, Lokeshwara's soldiers fought without surrendering. It proved to be a very serious battle. Prince Keerti too displayed his skill in fighting.

2. The prince could wield the sword and use the bow and arrow quite well. Noticing the skills of their leader, the other soldiers too began to fight skillfully. The enemy was defeated. Within a short spell of time, a lot of lives were lost. Lokeshwara's army was badly defeated. However, in this battle, there was very little loss caused to property and it caused no harm to the civilians.

3. Prince Keerti took his army forward. He annexed the province of 'Sunsal' and set up camp there. By this time, the entire Malaya - Rata was under Prince Keerti. The people of the area, loved the prince very much. They respected him. Most of the youth of the area voluntarily joined the forces. Prince Keerti was quite balanced in his strategy. He didn't do anything that harmed the citizens. He loved the people of the area and the entire nation - as a whole. This won him the goodwill of the people.

4. Prince Keerti's victory disturbed Lokeshwara so much, that he began to behave like an insane man. He was bent on taking revenge and so sent another army to attack the prince. Before they could reach the boundary of Malaya Rata, the prince's army attacked them. Within a few hours of fighting, that army too was defeated.

Commander Lokeshwara had to suffer a very bad defeat.

5. By about 1049 AD, the fame and glory of Prince Keerti spread all over the country. The subjects were very happy to note that they had a future king. People from all corners of the country, came to meet the prince. Among them were village leaders and warriors. They were all bent on supporting the campaign of Prince Keerti. Some joined the army.

6. Meanwhile, Prince Devamalla came to Malaya-Rata, along with his friends and went to meet the prince. They discussed matters relating to the situation of the country. All these youth promised to join Prince Keerti, to assist him in the task of unifying the country, under one banner. Devamalla and his friends joined his army.

7. Prince Keerti had a great love for the country, the nation and the religion. He was extremely worried about the fate the country was in. His one and only ambition was to defeat the enemy and save the country. On the battle field he was a terror. He fought with all his might. This of course, was the nature of all great warriors. In everyday life, Prince Keerti was a kind and gentle person. His speech was pleasant. Anyone who spoke to him once, would never leave him. They got easily attracted to him. This was the reason for the increasing number of soldiers in his army.

8. With time, the enemy armies that had occupied the country were gradually weakened. They made themselves aloof from the subjects. Prince Keerti was very observant. He thought of 'making hay while the sun shines.’ He spread his authority, beyond the borders of Malaya-Rata. He conquered the province named 'Remunagala.’ This was a province that belonged to Ruhuna at the time.