As a result of the siege of the city by the Sinhala forces, the soldiers inside the city were faced with a severe scarcity of food and were suffering from infectious diseases. Though the Sinhala
soldiers were attacking the foundations of the fort on land, non-stop, the Portuguese were able to face those attacks bravely and escape unhurt. Though the Portuguese were small in number, they went to the temples in search of food.
They ransacked the viharas, stole the food and ruined even the coastal areas. Meanwhile,
Thomas Souza went into ‘Vishnu Devale’, in Dondra and plundered its wealth. In February 1588, some soldiers came from Goa, to assist them. Well knowing, that it would be difficult to face these forces, King Rajasinghe retreated immediately. But the Portuguese armies gave chase.
Though the Portuguese chased them as far as Weragoda, it was all in vain. Rajasinghe’s army was able to get back to Sitawaka safely. This happened to be the last big battle of King Rajasinghe. This was begun with a lot of effort, commanding all the resources at hand. The access routes of food to the city were all blocked. Help was sought from the armies of Indian kings.
The Muslim, Caffre and Malay nationalities were helpful, especially in sea battles. Though the Portuguese armies were still less in number and suffering from famine and disease, they did not let the city fall. King Rajasinghe was furious because he couldn’t capture the city. He became cruel too.
This king was very stern to his subjects and he had no compassion
whatsoever. Harsh
punishments were meted out. Meanwhile, Prince Sothupala Bandara, who was paying tribute to the king, started going against him. He sought the help of the Portuguese.
King Rajasinghe went to fight this prince. In the
process,
a few forts, within the limits of the Portuguese
territory, were captured by this prince.
King Rajasinghe, who was furious, stopped the
fighting and returned to Sitawaka. He killed the rulers who were in charge of these forts and sent an army to fight Prince Sothupala. This army also faced defeat at Thalamptiya. This increased the king’s wrath. He thought of personally leading an army against Prince Sothupala.
From the start, they went on ruining the
cities in their path and
captured those who
supported Prince Sothupala. They were beheaded. Those who escaped this terror, went to the Portuguese. At this time, there was an
uprising in Kandy too. That too was led by a prince. He was the
grandson of Queen Gampola Devi. He had embraced Christianity and was a leader by the name Francisco.
The people, who could not bear the
atrocities of King Rajasinghe, joined
Don Francisco.
Don Francisco, on his part, chased away the chiefs of Sitawaka and invited Prince Yamasinghe, who was the legitimate heir, with his connection to the last king of Kandy, Karaliyadde. |
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