The real movers of our freedom

The common perception is that Independence for Sri Lanka was obtained without a drop of blood being shed. Though this thinking has persisted for years in the country, it is not so. The blood and toil of the people of this country resulted in the colonial powers being forced even later to grant Independence to the people. Valiant fighter Monaravila Keppetipola was one hero who did not seek pardon from the British, even though they were very willing to give it, if he had asked for it. Instead, he gave his life for the people of Sri Lanka, by stretching his neck for the "Wadaka" or executioner on the banks of Bogambara wewa in which area is Keppetipola Hall.

Keppetipola's skull is encased at the Sacred Mahamaluwa in Kandy over which there is a monument. Keppetipola has no direct descendents, though there are many who are connected to his ancestry. It is of interest to delve into the background of Monaravila Keppetipola.

When the Kandyan Treaty was signed, Keppetipola Maha Dissawa was the Dissawa of Matale and subsequently the British appointed him to Uva. While he was at Uva, a chance utterance to the Translator David de Alwis cost him his future and his life. He had one day told the translator in conversation that it was time for the British to bid goodbye to the country and place a Sinhalese on the Throne of Kandy, even Dissawa Ehelepola.

When the Rebellion of 1817-1818 began, Monaravila Keppetipola was at the helm. The shameful way the rebellion was crushed by the British, especially on Robert Brownrigg's orders, was such that even law officers of Britain recorded that it was unimaginable horror and ruthlessness of the British.

With more troops being brought in, the rebellion was quelled. On October 28, Lieutenant O'Neil captured Keppetipola. Then Madugalle was arrested, and by November 4, under a heavy guard both were brought to Kandy. By 13th November both faced a Court Martial which in fact was a 'Kangaroo Court'.

They were executed on November 25, 1818 with several other Kandyan chiefs. Ellepola Nilame was executed on October 27. The execution of Keppetipola was after his last request to visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he presented his only wealth at the time, a cloth which was so dirty, that he begged the priest in the Inner Shrine Room to forgive him for presenting it.

His friend Dr. Henry Marshall, whose friendship he cultivated while in Badulla was there to see him for the last time. After he was executed his skull was filled with 'salt ' and sent to the Phrenology Society of Edinburgh, from where it went to the Anatomy Department of the University of Edinburgh for examination.

On this anniversary of Independence, it should be noted that the real movers for the freedom of the country were people like Keppetipola and other chieftains.