Keppetipola's struggle against the British rule

By Premasara Epasinghe

Rajapaksa Wickramasekera Mudiyanse Ralahamy, a chieftain from Satara Korale who settled at Udugoda Udasiya Pattuwa, Monarawila, north of Matale and Monarawila Kumarihamy were blessed with three children - one son and two daughters.

The great patriot Keppetipola, who led the rebellion of Uva in 1817-1818 was the son. At the inception, Keppetipola acted as a representative of the British government. Realising the plight of the Sinhalese, Keppetipola crossed over to the Sinhala camp and began the Independence struggle against the British rule.

Keppetipola was one of the greatest strategists. He knew the Britishers were well-equipped with weapons. He knew it would be futile to fight the Britishers. Keppetipola adopted different tactics. He believed in the famous saying “An army marches on its belly.”

Food supply

Keppetipola cut off the food supply to the British soldiers. Roads were blocked. Swift and sudden attacks were launched and British soldiers were taken unawares.

Even nature was against the Britishers. The rains, floods too marooned them. When the rains subsided the British troops in the maritime areas marched the hill capital and Uva-Wellassa and attacked the Sinhala villages. They made Uva-Wellassa, a “blood bath.”

Keppetipola, who learned the art of war, under the Britishers, crossed over and led the liberation struggle of the Sinhalese.

The main target of the Britishers was Keppetipola. They made a proclamation as follows:

“Out of all the Radala or nobles, Sinhala Government Agent of Uva – traitor Keppetipola was against us. We were responsible in saving his life from the cruel Sinhala king.

This most ungrateful man was totally responsible in motivating the people of Uva to rise against British sovereignty. He was a traitor and a wanted criminal.”

The Kandyan nobles considered the Sinhala leadership of Senadhinayaka Keppetipola, as a blessing and a driving force for them. The chieftains, Pilimatalewa, Halangoda, Madugalle, Millewe, Joined Keppetipola followed by thousands and fought against Britishers.

Of all the Kandyan chieftanis only Molligoda, supported the British. When the Sinhala troops were marching victoriously, dissension and disunity arose among Keppetipola Pilimatalawa and Madugalle leading to their capture by the British. The British court passed death sentence on Keppetipola and Madugalle, while Pilimatalawa was to be exiled.

Gloomy day

November 18, 1818 was a very sad, gloomy day for the Sinhalese. It was on this fateful day, the two national leaders, Keppetipola and Madugalle were handcuffed and taken to Bogambara for their execution. Madugalle, fearing death fell unconscious several times, before execution. But, great Keppetipola brave as ever faced the death gallantly.

Keppetipola asked permission to read some verses from Dhammapada. He paid homage to Sacred Tooth Relic. He took out the cloth covering his upper part of the body, folded it, offered it to the Tooth Relic chamber.

He recited a few lines from the Dhammapada loudly.

Although the executioner slashed the sword to sever the neck, his attempt failed as the neck was only partly cut. Keppetipola smiled and showed the executioner the point to sever the neck into two.

Keppetipola was a true national hero of Sri Lanka and we salute him. He symbolised the fighting spirit of the Sinhalese. Cowards die many times, before their death The valiant die only once!