King Buwanekabahu Archives

KOTTE – THE WEALTHIEST IN THE 16TH CENTURY – By Dr Tilak S. Fernando In the sixteenth, Ceylon was divided into three regions: Kotte, Up-Country and ‘Yapa’. Of course, the principal and the wealthiest was Kotte. Agriculture (Paddy growing) was the main crop. Still, within the Kotte area, tea, rubber, coconut, Cinnamon, areca nut, and precious stones, including elephants, were sourced from other regions. The King’s income was an important factor in terms of security. Once, King Buwanekabahu protected his reign from enemy attacks from the Portuguese by signing an accord by offering a bribe of a considerable amount of money (Kurunduwahara three hundred) to obtain war equipment, Tax depended on each profession, such as Kinnara Badda, Raja Badda, Kottal Badda, Kottal Badda et al. During the 13th Century in Kotte, officials who collected such taxes were called Vidanes. Their duties were to approach those who had to pay taxes ...

Kotte – the wealthiest kingdom in 16th Century-Dr. Tilak S Fernando Royal Abode of King Bhuvanekabahu I Source:Dailynews In the 16th Century, Ceylon was divided into three reigns: Kotte, Up-country and ‘Yapa’. Of these, the principal kingdom and the wealthiest was Kotte. Agriculture (Paddy growing) was the main crop. Still, within the Kotte area, the supplies of tea, rubber, coconut, cinnamon, areca nut, and precious stones, including elephants, were sourced from other regions. The King’s income was an important factor in terms of his security. Once, King Buwanekabahu protected his reign from enemy attacks from the Portuguese by signing an accord with them and offering a bribe of considerable money (Kurunduwahara three hundred) to obtain war equipment. ...