Ehelepola Nilame: Traitor or Patriot?
Posted on July 24th, 2025
Jayantha Herath
These visuals and accompanying content were created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot.
Comparison Chart: Ehelepola Nilame – Traitor vs. Patriot
| Perspective | Key Arguments | Consequences | Legacy View |
| Traitor | Allied with British to overthrow Kandyan monarchy; facilitated colonial rule. | Helped end Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom; led to British colonization. | Seen by some as betraying national sovereignty. |
| Patriot | Opposed tyrannical king; sought justice after execution of his family. | Gained popular support; viewed as a hero by those opposing the king. | Seen by others as a tragic hero who resisted cruelty. |
A Complex Legacy Ehelepola Nilame remains one of the most debated figures in Sri Lankan history. As the First Adigar of the Kandyan Kingdom, he held immense power and influence. His rebellion against King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha followed the horrific execution of his wife and children—an act that shocked the nation and turned many against the king.
Ehelepola’s decision to ally with the British was pivotal in the signing of the Kandyan Convention of 1815, which ended centuries of Sinhalese monarchy. While some view this as a betrayal that opened the door to colonial rule, others argue that he acted out of desperation and a desire to end tyranny.
His later exile to Mauritius after the 1817–1818 rebellion adds another layer of tragedy to his story. Today, Ehelepola is remembered both as a patriot who stood against cruelty and a controversial figure who enabled colonization