Great Rebellion of 1817–18

Following the annexation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British under the terms of the Kandyan Convention in 1815, British started to antagonise the Kandyan Chiefs who signed the convention through their actions. This included the breach of promises made by the British chiefs in terms retaining the traditional privileges enjoyed by them during the era of the Kandyan Kingdom. They were further angered by the appointment of a Moor loyal to the British, Haji Marikkar as Travala Madige Muhandiram of Wellassa undermining the authority of Millewa Dissawa sparked the rebellion.[2]

Keppetipola Disawe was sent initially by the British government to stop the uprising but ended up joining the rebellion and ordering the regiment he was commanding to return to their garrison. Keppetipola Disawe Joined the rebellion as its leader and is celebrated for his actions even today in Sri Lanka. He assisted many regional leaders in providing men and material from various regions. The other leaders who supported this independent movement were:2nd in-charge of Gode Gedara Adikaram, Wilbawe (an alias of Duraisamy, a Nayakkar of Royal blood), II Pilima Talauve Adikaram, Kohu Kumbure Rate Rala, Dimbulana Disave, Kivulegedara Mohottala, Madugalle Disave, Butewe Rate Rala, Galagoda family members, Galagedara Mohottala, Meegahapitiya Rate Rala, Dambawinna Disave and Kurundukumbure Mohottala.

Keppitipola went up to Alupotha and joined the rebels having returned all arms and ammunition of the British. Rev. Wariyapola Sumangala of Asgiriya fled to Hanguranketa with the tooth relic casket which resulted in a more vigorous phase of the rebellion, as Sinhalese believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic is the rightful ruler of the country. By September 1817 two rebel leaders Madugalle Basnayake Nilame and Ellepola Adikaram surrendered to the British and Pilimatalawe led the rebellion. The British captured Ellepola who was the Dissawa of Viyaluwa and a brother of Maha Adikaram Ehelepola and beheaded them in Bogambara on 27 October 1818.

The rebellion was launched by Keppetipola Disawe. Except for Molligoda and Ekneligoda, many Chiefs joined the rebels. The rebels captured Matale and Kandy before Keppetipola fell ill and was captured and beheaded by the British. His skull was abnormal — as it was wider than usual — and was sent to Britain for testing. It was returned to Sri Lanka after independence, and now rests in the Kandyan Museum. The rebellion failed due to a number of reasons. It was not well planned by the leaders. The areas controlled by some Chiefs who helped the British provided easy transport routes for British supplies. Doraisami who was said to have a claim to the Sinhalese throne was found not to have any relation.[3][4][5][6][7]

In the 'Journal of Uva,' Herbert White, a British Government Agent in Badulla after the rebellion minuted:

It is a pity that there is no evidence left behind to show the exact situation in Uva in terms of population or agriculture development after the rebellion. The new rulers are unable to come up to any conclusion on the exact situation of Uva before the rebellion as there is no trace of evidence left behind to come to such conclusions. If thousands died in the battle they were all fearless and clever fighters. If one considers the remaining population of 4/5 after the battle to be children, women and the aged, the havoc caused is unlimited. In short the people have lost their lives and all other valuable belongings. It is doubtful whether Uva has at least now recovered from the catastrophe.[9]

• Kandyan Wars
• Matale Rebellion

• The 1818 rebellion and the execution of Keppetipola Dissawe
• Keppetipola and the Uva Rebellion
• Our darkest day.
• From John D’Oyly to Robert O’Blake
• Ceylon under the British By G.C. Mendis
• THE BRITISH IN SRI LANKA
• The Madulla massacre by the British (9th of Dec. 1817)
• The execution of keppetipola Dissawe
• Kandy: the roots of the rebellion.