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

The administration of Ruhuna

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

1. Prince Vickramabahu reached the tomb of his father. He wept bitterly and relieved himself of the deep sorrow and pain. By this time, Manabharana and his crowd had fled to Ruhuna. The people in Pihiti-Rata, welcomed Prince Vickramabahu. There were a number of ministers who supported him. They appointed this prince as the king and held a coronation ceremony. King Vickramabahu showed his gratitude by giving various positions and conferring honours on all those who helped him.

2. Manabharana and his brothers, who fled to Ruhuna took over the rule of that area. 'Dolosdahas-rata,' to the west of Walawe ganga was brought under the rule of Prince Kitsirimegha. 'Atadahas-rata,' to the east of the river, was placed under the rule of Prince Sri Vallabha. King Jayabahu stayed with Prince Kitsirimegha. He was an uncle of
King Vickramabahu, but an enemy.

3. Prince Manabharana ruled 'Manahula.' Though the administration of the south was shared in this manner, all these princes were unhappy over the fact that they did not get positions under the main ruler of the country. As they harboured this grudge, they were planning to take revenge from King Vickramabahu. The king, who got to know of this, started strengthening his army. It was 1112 AD then. By this time, one year had passed after the king had ascended the throne of Polonnaruwa. He was making every attempt to establish a righteous rule in the country.

4. The king was kind to his subjects. He adopted a friendly attitude towards them. They too loved the king and respected him in return. The society turned to be a righteous one and at least temporarily all troubles had come to a stop. However, Manabharana and the other princes who had assumed power in Ruhuna, opposed the king and worked against him. They strengthened their armies, with the idea of attacking Polonnaruwa, at the earliest possible moment.

5. Prince Manabharana's grievance was that he did not get the post of 'Uparaja.' To add to this, he was worried over the number of defeats that they had to suffer in battle. He couldn't bear the shame of all these setbacks. He started behaving in a very strange manner. King Vickramabahu got to know of this. He sent additional spies to Ruhuna. He also strengthened the royal army by recruiting more and more men.

6. The youth of Pihiti-rata volunteered to serve in the army. The king saw to it that they were given a good training. Arrangements were made to be in readiness for a battle at any moment. Manabharana and his brothers too, were marking time, awaiting an opportune moment. The auspicious hour dawned and they began to march towards Polonnaruwa, with a huge army.

7. No sooner than they set off, the king got the news. Accompanied by his army, he marched forward. In the village named 'Bosenpauva,' both armies met and the fighting started. It proved to be a serious battle and a lot of damage was done. Finally the royal army won. As the enemy army fled, the king gave chase.

8. The princes led by Manabharana went to 'Pasyodun-rata.' They erected a fortress there. The king went to Kelaniya and set up camp there. While camping here, the king made all the necessary arrangements to attack 'Pasyodun-rata.' The princes including Manabharana got wind of all this. They too were awaiting an attack at any moment.