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Remembering the Day We Lost Our Sovereignty-by Kalani-eLanka Throughout history, nations have faced moments of triumph and tragedy. For Sri Lanka, one such defining moment was the day we lost our sovereignty, marking the beginning of colonial rule that shaped the destiny of our land and its people. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the resilience of our ancestors and the importance of safeguarding our national identity and independence. The Fall of the Kingdom of Kandy On March 2, 1815, the Kandyan Convention was signed, formally ceding the Kingdom of Kandy—the last independent Sinhala kingdom—to the British Empire. This marked the end of centuries of self-rule and the beginning of full colonial domination over Sri Lanka. The convention, signed at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) in Kandy, was presented as a means to maintain order and governance, but in reality, it stripped the nation of its sovereignty. The ...

Mar 2, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged British administration, Cultural preservation, Divide and Rule, Kingdom of Kandy, Magul Maduwa, Uva-Wellassa Rebellion

Sri Vikrama Rajasinha: The Last King of Kandy – By Bhanuka – eLanka Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Kandy, stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of Sri Lankan history. His reign, marked by significant accomplishments and tumultuous challenges, represents the final chapter of indigenous rule before the onset of British colonial dominance. Born into a period of intense political intrigue and external threats, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha’s life and reign encapsulate the complexities of leadership during a time of transition. As the ruler of Kandy, he navigated through an intricate web of internal factionalism, foreign diplomacy, and the relentless expansion of the British Empire. The Kingdom of Kandy, nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, was a beacon of resistance against European colonial powers. It was a kingdom where ancient traditions and a rich cultural heritage flourished, despite the looming threats from outside ...

Aug 3, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Bhanuka Nuwan Tagged British Colonial Era, British-Kandy conflicts, Kandy in the 18th century, Kandy royal family, Kandy's last ruler, Kandyan cultural heritage, Kandyan monarchy, Kandyan resistance, Kingdom of Kandy, Last King of Kandy, Nayak dynasty, Sri Lankan history, Sri Lankan kings, Sri Lankan monarchs, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha's reign

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 ...

Mar 30, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Ceylon, Fort MacDowall Cemetery, Gongalegoda Banda, Kandyan Wars, Kingdom of Kandy, Matale, Matale Rebellion, Weera Puran Appu