Historical significance of Mulleriyawa's first victorious battle

Gopitha PEIRIS

Mulleriyawa is a suburb of the Colombo District coming under the Kolonnawa electorate which is approximately 8 km away from Colombo Fort. This prominent and widespread name instantaneously reminds us about the National Institute of Mental Health for psychologically deranged patients. Some notable State Institutions, private sector establishments and ancient Kithsirimewan Temple and old Galwana Temple are located within the boundaries of Mulleriyawa. In addition to the aforementioned venues it inherits memorable and historic incidents that transpired even prior to the dawn of the Christian Era.

The Chronicle text 'Mahawamsa' reveals that during the tenure of Naga King Maniakkitha of Kelaniya Kingdom (580 BC) Kelaniya and Mulleriyawa hamlets had been densely populated by tribesmen of Naga Dynasty. Some distinguished scholars cherish the point of view that even prior to the arrival of Vijaya (543 BC), a group of Aryans from 'Kalyani' a region of Central India had migrated to Kelaniya.

It is assumed that they had established a habitation in this locality and had extended the particular area for development of agricultural activities and Mulleriyawa is one of the suburbs so diversified. Widely accepted presumption is that words 'Mul Aariya' were derived from original Aryan Inhabitation. Besides there is a legend narrating that a fairly large tank had been constructed encircling the marshy lands where a lot of 'Mul Hiriya' plants were found. With the passage of time, the name 'Mul Ariya' is supposed to have originated from the words 'Mul Hiriya' and ultimately to Mulleriyawa as presently in usage.

Mulleriyawa Lake

As per chronology Yatalathissa son of King Mahanaga had constructed this lake - let during the years 210-200 BC which was more or less 935 acres in extent, in order to bring the low-lying lands under cultivation. Due to a dreadful inundation which had occurred in this region in the year 1885 AD, the embankment, valve tower, inlet/outlet culverts and sluices of the lake were entirely devastated. As the time elapsed the territory of lake has been currently dwindled to around 30 acres due to unauthorized and unacceptable reclaiming activities.

Certain legendary tales relate that Sakalakala Wallaba, Sub King of Udugampola region, had dwelled in this luxurious palace off and on. There is also a noteworthy interpretation that Range Bandara, step-brother of Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe had domiciled in this edifice. According to descriptions appearing in some annals pertaining to this palace, the extent of Maligagodella must have been well over five acres, but today to our utter dismay and distress, this specific area is completely covered with residential houses leaving no trace of at least the basement of this famous castle.

Trade transactions

The only artefacts which can be identified are the two granite door frames which had been at a later period installed at the shrine room of old Galwana Temple at Mulleriyawa.

A fleet of nine barques of Portuguese Pirates being encountered with a violent hurricane accidentally got drifted to Galle Port which was captained by Lorensu De Almeda and afterwards had sailed to Colombo Port on 15-11-1505.

These shrewd and deceitful Intruders had the aspiration to meet the ruling King of Kotte - Dharma Parakkramabahu IX (1491-1509 AD) and draw up a Trade Treaty. They were quite successful in getting this validated which assured the safety of Ports and King by Portuguese and in lieu of the King had to provide 300 tons of cinnamon, 12 rings studded with precious gem stones and six elephants annually. (This exaggerated description with regard to this Trade Treaty was penned by Portuguese Historian Juwan De Beros). Subsequently Portuguese had erected a solid and firm fortress and a church in Colombo Fort area to expand their trade transactions against the monopoly of Muslim merchants and to disseminate Christianity. Furthermore, their ultimate objective was to conquer the entire country.

After a sizeable length of time, King Buwanekabahu VII (1521-1551 AD) of Kotte and Kelaniya (Uncle of Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe) being under the pressure and domination of Portuguese Administrators, dispatched a delegation to meet King John of Portugal with a gold replica of Dharmapala (Son of Weediya Bandara and Samuddradevi) in the year 1543 AD in order to get Dharmapala appointed as the succeeding Monarch. As a result King John crowned the replica and designated Dharmapala as the Emperor of Ceylon and through a proclamation, emigrated Portuguese were instructed to acknowledge him as their Ruler. This contemptible and abominable occurrence can be analyzed as one of the ignominious betrayals recorded in the history of our homeland.

It should be emphasized here that Portuguese at this stage were targeting to attack the Seethawaka Kingdom of King Mayadunne along with the backing of Kotte native army at an opportune occasion.

The fortified fortress of Seethawaka combatants was located in the proximity of Ambatale Junction. There were diverse regiments comprising approximately 4,900 patriotic warriors, ancillary personnel equipped with locally produced cannons, guns, swords, shields, spears and with thoroughly trained horses and elephants under the leadership of King Mayadunne, his son Prince Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe and Commander-in-Chief Ekanayake.

Having observed the advancing of Portuguese troops in the direction of Mulleriyawa field, Commander Ekanayake decided to proceed onwards, but he was ordered by the Intelligence Unit of War Council of Seethawaka to remain inside the fortress and to be on the alert.

In the meantime Portuguese infantry armed with most powerful cannons, guns, bullets etc directed by Captain Balthazar Guedes De Sousa and additional Commanders viz, Dioge De Melo, Dom Francisco De Malo, Simao De Brito, Ayres De Saldanha, Siman De Melo Soares awaited facing Ambatale Fortress, together with native soldiers of the puppet King Don Juwan Dharmapala headed by Thammita Suriya Bandara also known as Francisco Bareththu/Sembapperumal. It is documented that 250 Portuguese men-at-arms and 800 local soldiers were present at the battle field. At this ctitical and crucial hour Commander Ekanayake declared war against the intruders.

Both groups played an active role in frightful fighting for two days and there was a toll of casualties belonging to both troops.

Finally, Portuguese had to retreat being excessively exhausted. In addition to their absolute astonishment and amazement they witnessed a second battalion captained by injured Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe had encircled them in toto. At this pivotal juncture Rajasinghe along with his replaced heroic troop (10,000) annihilated and vanquished the Portuguese Infantry. Instantly fatal injuries were inflicted on their notable Captain Balthazar Guedes De Sousa.

Meanwhile, Thammita Suriya Bandara with some of his awfully frightened soldiers fled away from the battle ground in the face of disgraceful and humiliating defeat of the invaders.

Reputed and renowned Portuguese Historians viz Father Queroz, Juwao Rebiro, Cuto had conceded the absolute collapse of this noteworthy battle in the historical books they have authored.

This, most exceptional warfare to safeguard the dignity and decorum of Mulleriyawa, Seethawaka and motherland got off the ground at Mulleriyawa war zone adjoining Ambatale Junction on August 23,1562.

Eventually, this colonial super power was subjected to a discreditable and deplorable defeat in an Eastern Soil at the hands of valiant and valorous Prince Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe. Undoubtedly, he depicted absolute patriotism, mastery of war strategies and above all gallantry and bravery.

Unquestionably and unreservedly he was responsible in winning a pride of place to Mulleriyawa and simultaneously the victorious battle secured wide recognition and reputation in various quarters of the globe in the course of 15th and 16th centuries.

Our glowing tribute must be bestowed upon King Mayadunne, Prince Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe, Commander-in-Chief Ekanayake and entire nationalistic participants for their unique and distinctive contribution rendered towards the outright accomplishment of the mighty warfare.

Seethawaka combatants

Despite that fact that there had been number of armed conflicts between Seethawaka forces and Portuguese troops during the years 1550, 1552, 1561, 1562 and 1583 respectively, the first triumphant battle effectuated by Seethawaka combatants was on August 23,1562.

All relevant information pertaining to the Mulleriyawa battle (1562 AD) and Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe cannot be incorporated in a concise write-up similar to this.

Hence, further historical particulars can be acquired by perusing the undernoted informative publications.

Rajawaliya, Alakeswara, War, Seethawaka Rajasinghe Rajjakalaya (Risiman Amarasinghe), Discovering Ceylon (R L Brohier), Ceylon-Portuguese Era (P E Peiris), Mulleriyawa Abimanaya (Asoka Premachandra), Dasaka Hathak Leyin Nehewunu Mulleriyawa (Stephen Athukorala) and Parangi Habaya (S F De Silva/E R Erathna).

The glorious and splendorous history of Mulleriyawa battle to a substantial degree has faded away from our memory. In order to focus attention in this regard, the 'Mulleriyawa Abimana Foundation" has already circulated three informative leaflets elucidating the prideful bygone days of Mulleriyawa and the decisive combat against Portuguese among Sunday School students in Kolonnawa Electorate.

Furthermore, an Essay Competition has been sponsored among students on the topic "Great Battle of Mulleriyawa - 1562" and the expected winners will be awarded valuable prizes and certificates.

This abridged article is complied to commemorate the completion of 450 years which falls on 23/08/2012 since the triumphant battle versus Portuguese Warriors by lion-hearted Prince Tikiri Kumaru Rajasinghe (afterwards known as King Seethawaka Rajasinghe -1).

It is my bounden duty to extend heartfelt gratitude to Scholar-Stephen Athukorala, and reputed Author-Asoka Premachandra, for the inestimable assistance rendered in the preparation of this piece of writing.