The procession conducted by the Portuguese
The Captain-General in Sri Lanka, Don Jerenimo de Azavedo summoned the chieftains of Kotte for a meeting on May 29, 1597. A few individuals were also included, to represent the general public. An official from the palace of the diseased king, a Mudliyar, an Arachchi and another officer named ‘Pattan Katti’ were all called for this meeting. They were seated around a table. They were to swear that they accept the King of Portugal as their king.
This swearing went on to say that “our lawful King Don Juan Maha Bandara, who is now in heaven with the gods above, as he had no proper heir to the throne and his kingdom proclaimed that the King of Portugal will be the heir to the throne and the kingdom and so we accept it”. When they had taken this pledge, the Captain-general was happy.
The General then took the flag of Portugal and gave it to the chieftain who was very close and well trusted by the diseased king. Thereafter, the Captain-general of Colombo and all the important officials proclaimed that King Phillip becomes the King of Kotte. They went in procession along the streets of Kotte. Don Anthony led the procession. He in Portuguese style shouted out thus.
“What is said about the King of Portugal is true. It’s true. It’s true.” Those who followed him in the procession, imitated him and shouted, “It’s true. It’s true! What the Portuguese wanted was to rule this island according to the rules and regulations of their land and make it a new Portugal. However, he Sinhala people did not want to accept it.
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