TV Times

Monarawila a historical tale based on the Uva Rebellion of 1818 made in to a miniplay is now being telecast on Rupavahini at 8.35 on Tuesdays.

To a script of experienced script writer K. B. Herath, the teledrama is directed by Sathischandra Edirisinghe.

The star-studded cast included Sathischandra Edirisinghe, Kanchana Mendis,Janaka Kumbukage, Nadi Chandrasekera,Cyril Dharmawardane,Chitra Warakagoda,Amiththa Weerasinghe,Vishaka Siriwardane,Indika Subasinghe, Sadun Wijesiri, Susri Perera, Mali Jayaweera, Janak Premalal, Nalin Pradeep Uduwela, Buddhi Wickrama, Kulasiri Mallikarachchi, Lakshman Fernando, Hemachandra Piyadasa, Wijeratne Warakagoda and Chandana Weerabaddana Arachchi.

Set during the period of the Uva Rebellion of 1818 Monarawila revolves a round the illicit trading of medicinal drugs, plants and genes that is being conducted surreptitiously in the country. The patriots Monaravila, Ellepola and Kivulegedara of the past are reincarnated to resist this imperialistic devastation.

Ellepola, the Assistant Government Agent of Matale receives a document written by Rev. Paravahagama Sumangala Thera. It reveals information about the Uva-Wellessa Rebellion of 1818 and the names of those nationalists who served the imperialist masters opposing the rebellion.

Patriotic Sri Lankans like Kivulegedara Mohottala, Kohumbure Raterala and Ihagama Unnanse begin the Wellessa Rebellion in Pambure in October 1817. Monaravila Keppetipola who is the Government Agent of Uva is sent to suppress the rebellion. Instead he joins the rebels causing the uprising to spread to areas like Uva Wellessa, Matale, four Korales, seven Korales and the Nuwara Kalaviya.

Delvala Menike, the spouse of Keppetipola Dissawe and their son Tikiri Kumara flee and hide in Matale as Keppetipola Dissawe is targeted for treason by the British rulers. Kivulegedara, a rebel leader meets a young girl called Swarnmali and marries her.

Under the leadership of Keppetipola, the rebellion gains momentum causing a serious threat to the survival of British rule. People like Taldena Mohottala take the side of the British.

The rebellion gets a set back with the arrest by the British of rebel leaders like Ellepola and Pilimatalawe. Delvala Menike and Tikiri Kumara hiding in the jungle are captured British troops. Ihagama Thera, who helps the rebels is also shot dead by the British.

Edited by Sisira K. Senaratne, art directed by Mani Mendis Monaravila music is directed by Rohana Weerasinghe.