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

Cessation of hostilities

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

1. King Gajabahu was greatly angered over the treacherous act of Manabharana. He chased away the envoys, who came with gifts. He abused them strongly. Manabharana was greatly ashamed over this sad occurrence and spent his days quietly. King Gajaba got close to Parakramabahu. After the lapse of a few days, King Gajaba passed away. His death took place in the year 1153 AD.

2. This king ruled the entire country from Polonnaruwa for a period of 21 years. He was quite old at the time of death. The dishonest ministers of the king disliked Parakramabahu. They supported Manabharana. They wanted to make Manabharana the king of Polonnaruwa. So they tried their best to place him on the throne.

3. They took King Gajaba's body to Kotusara and sent a message to Manabharana. The message was to say that King Gajaba had passed away. It also requested him to come to Polonnaruwa with an army. They wanted him to give King Gajaba a fitting royal cremation and win the hearts of the people. They added, "We are waiting in anticipation to crown you as king."

4. Yuvaraja Manabharana, who received this message acted fast. He came with an army. Yuvaraja Parakramabahu got to know of all these activities. He was angered by the treachery of the ministers. He collected an army and marched to Polonnaruwa. While on his way, he got to know the route Manabharana was taking. He then diverted his forces that way and proceeded. He did not go far.

5. Both armies met face to face and a severe battle followed. After hours of fighting, Manabharana's forces were defeated. They fled. Parakramabahu proceeded to Polonnaruwa. At this juncture, all the Buddhist monks took his side, thinking of the treaty he had entered into with King Gajaba.

6. The inscription containing the terms of this treaty was found in the temple grounds of Sangamu Vihara, close to Malsiripura on the Kurunegala Dambulla road. This is what the inscription says. "May there be good-will. We who are the descendents of the line of 'Srimath Sammatha,' who value truth above all…"

7. It continues in this manner. "According to the agreement we have reached here, both of us shall never fight, as long as we live. The kingdom of one who dies first, shall go to the surviving prince. If there happens to be a king, who opposes this and tries to win the country by working against either of us, he becomes the common enemy of both of us."

8. "If we go against this treaty, we are deemed to have violated the law of the Triple Gem. We shall suffer the evils of hell." The treaty concluded in a special manner. "The two of us who treasure the well-being of the others, have fully agreed to the terms of this treaty. Let the world protect this treaty, as long as the sun and moon shine over us."