1. The Christian priests in
Sri Lanka, sent repeated
letters to the viceroy requesting help in Kandy. In the midst of this, the Archbishop who was in Cochin, also sided with the priests. He too pressed the viceroy. As a result, Don John de Castro decided to send armies to Kandy. Fighting had to be stopped as the King of Portugal was not in favour.
Fr. Francis Xavier
however, did not support this.
2. Attempts were made to get the throne of Jaffna for the heir-apparent. Xavier was supported by the other Christian princes. As Jaffna was a part of the Kotte kingdom some time back, King Buwanekabahu too was interested in what
happened in Jaffna.
King Sankili sent a message to Kotte. It went like this. "Forget about all the debts. I shall pay a handsome
tribute. Please
abandon your idea and help me to gain
accession to the throne."
3. However, there arose trouble in Jaffna. There was a struggle for power. Even the King of Portugal got to know about those troubles and he appointed an advisory board to inquire into the matter. They inquired into every little detail and even went and met King Sankili.
4. He was also advised against his attitude towards the Christians.
He was compelled not to repeat the harassment. King Sankili heeded their advice and promised not to oppose the spread of Christianity. The advisory board was happy with his reaction. They asked the Portuguese not to create any trouble for the king. The King of Portugal was also notified. He was happy to receive this news.
5. The Portuguese were ordered to act accordingly. This same
advisory board was instructed to find out details about the heir to the throneof Kotte. They made
investigations about the dynasties of Sinhala kings. The king of Portugal had written to say that if it is the nephew who deserved kingship, to get back the notice given to Prince Dharmapala. These instructions were
followed to the letter, by the board. They
managed to find out all the details.
6. Meanwhile, the Viceroy in Goa, who was burdened with work, got a little break. He reconsidered the request made by King Vickramabahu and decided to help him. A small regiment of about 100 soldiers led by Antonio Monis Baratto and
accompanied by a Christian priest was sent. They set out in 1554 A.D., with the idea of reaching Kandy. This group came to Batticaloa.
7. During that period, Batticaloa was a part of the Kandyan Kingdom. The entire situation was explained to the King of Vanni and his son. The priest taught Christianity to the king's son. The prince too had a liking to it. It is at this same time, that King Mayadunne went to battle against the princes of the Seven Korales. Thinking that the King of Sitawaka would come to Kandy through the
Four Korales,
King Vickramabahu was
frightened.
8. Immediately King Vickramabahu sent some envoys, with a few soldiers, to Batticaloa. They went and met Antonio Monis Baratto. A crowd of about 200 people were there. Both parties met and had a
discussion. |
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