Fort Macdowall - outpost during Kandyan Wars - By Arundathie Abeysinghe

Fort Macdowall – outpost during Kandyan Wars – By Arundathie Abeysinghe

Constructed by British Colonials in 1803 as a garrison during battles against Kandy and located en route to one of the most significant roads, Kandy to *Trincomalee, Fort Macdowall was an outpost during Kandyan Wars. Named after General Macdowall (Lieutenant General Hay MacDowall who led the missions against Kandy), 6th Commander of British Troops in *Ceylon, the Fort came under siege during the *Matale Rebellion as it is located in Matale.

On 28 July 1848, during the Matale rebellion, Fort Macdowall came under siege by approximately 400 rebels led by Weera Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda (renowned as national heroes, at present). Rebels had set fire to a coffee storehouse in the vicinity and ransacked Matale *Kachcheri. Hence, on July 29, Lord Torrington, Governor of Ceylon has declared martial law to bring the situation under control and the British garrison has repulsed the attack. After the battle, approximately 250 rebels have been captured, court-martialed and subsequently executed in Fort MacDowall.

Currently, the gateway and a few ramparts remain at the location. The interior of the Fort is turned into a cemetery, known as the “Fort MacDowall Cemetery.” There is a monument to commemorate the Matale rebellion in the premises.

Fort Macdowall is a unique fort as it is constructed inland.

Ceylon – Sri Lanka gained Independence from British Colonials in 1948. In 1972, Ceylon became a republic within the Commonwealth and Ceylon was thereafter known as Sri Lanka.
Kachcheri – A District Secretariat which functions as a liaison between the Central Government of Sri Lanka and its activities conducted at district level. “Kachcheri” is a Hindustani word that was initially used for Revenue Collector’s Office during the British Colonial Era in Ceylon.
Kandyan Wars – Refers to the period of warfare between the British Colonial forces and the *Kingdom of Kandy between 1796 and 1818, especially, the expeditionary campaigns of the British Army in the Kingdom of Kandy in 1803 and 1815.
Kingdom of Kandy – A monarchy of Sri Lanka, located in the central and eastern provinces of the island founded in the late 15th century and endured until the early 19th century. A significant independent monarchy in Ceylon (current Sri Lanka), the last Sinhalese Kingdom to be subjugated by a colonial power. Although, Kandy survived the attacks of Ceylon’s first colonial rulers, Portuguese and the Dutch, it was conquered by the third and the last colonial ruler, the British, in 1818.
Matale – Located at the heart of the Central Hills, Matale is situated at an elevation around 365 meters above sea level. Matale is the administrative capital and largest town of Matale District of Central Province.
Matale Rebellion – Also known as “Rebellion of 1848”, Matale Rebellion took place in Matale against the British colonial government under Governor George Byng. The Rebellion marked a transition from the classic feudal form of anti-colonial revolt to modern independence struggles. The rebellion commenced with an attack on a British military camp in Matale as people were angered by the unfair acquisition of land and the imposition of new taxes by British Colonials. The Colonizers stopped the uprising, arrested the rebel leaders and ordered their execution. A memorial is constructed along Kandy-Matale Road to commemorate the Matale Rebellion which was commissioned by William Bose, British Government Agent of Ceylon to remember the victory of Captain Lily who was instrumental in defeating the uprising.
Trincomalee – Situated on *one of the world’s finest natural and beautiful deep-water harbors, Trincomalee is a port city located on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee has attracted seafarers, traders as well as pilgrims from Europe, Australasia, East Asia, Africa, China and the Middle East from ancient periods. With a population of approximately 126000 people and located in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee is also a major tourist attraction and a port city visited by large numbers of local and foreign tourists, annually.