The conquest of Ruhuna

By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Niluka De Silva
Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila

1. The Tamil Adhikari commander met an enemy army, marching towards the hill-country. Having seen this commander, they tried to dodge. But as he happened to see the enemy, he gave chase. The enemy forces entered the Mahapabbata of the Ratmal mountains. That was their camp. It was well guarded. All security measures were provided. The Tamil Adhikari commander got his army to besiege the camp.

2. They attacked all security points and entered the camp. There followed a serious battle. Quite a number were killed. A few managed to save their lives. But they too became prisoners of the Tamil Adhikari commander. This battle brought 'Dolosdahasrata' under their rule. Thereafter, the commander came to Rambha-Vihara, along with his army.

3. Most of the prisoners were put to death. Once all this was over, he sent word to the king, saying that he had successfully accomplished the task that was assigned to him. Meanwhile, the three Adhikaris who were at Buttala, started their campaign to arrest Queen Sugala. They raided places like Aralugasmada, Kirivalgoda and Baddegama.

4. Thereby they were able to corner Queen Sugala and her army. When fighting started, most of her soldiers fled. The three Adhikaris took Queen Sugala, a prisoner. Then they chased the soldiers who were fleeing. Fighting followed in places like Galabadda and Maragula. Most of the soldiers died. Those who survived were taken prisoner.

5. Then commenced the task of taking revenge from the rebel leaders and those who helped them. Hundreds of villagers were killed in public. According to the orders of King Parakramabahu, contingents of soldiers were stationed in these areas. This brought the entire province of Ruhuna under the rule of the Polonnaruwa kingdom.

6. Bhuta Adhikari was appointed as the ruler of this province. The other commanding officers took Queen Sugala and marched to Polonnaruwa, to meet King Parakramabahu. From this time, up to 1162 AD, peace prevailed in the entire country. Development work was carried out. But in spite of all this, there arose another uprising in Ruhuna in 1161 AD.

7. This was under a leader of Ruhuna. His name does not appear anywhere. However, this shows that the people of Ruhuna, did not like King Parakramabahu's administration. They seem to have suffered. This uprising spread in no time. Again, large armies were sent from Polonnaruwa. They were under very clever commanders.

8. As a result, within a short spell of time, the uprising was suppressed. The rebel leaders were tortured and put to death. Villages were ruined and the people were terrified. Because of these methods adopted, the people of Ruhuna did not rise up against King Parakramabahu, even though they did not approve of his leadership.