AI Overview

King Don Juan Dharmapala’s

conversion to Christianity and subsequent actions were a significant turning point in Sri Lankan history, widely viewed as a betrayal of Buddhism by the Sinhalese majority. His actions were heavily influenced by the Portuguese Christian missionaries and had lasting negative impacts on the Buddhist religious structure in his kingdom. 

Influence of Portuguese Missionaries and Conversion

• Early Influence: As a young prince, Dharmapala was tutored by Franciscan priests under the supervision of his maternal grandfather, King Bhuvanekabahu VII. This early exposure and education by the missionaries laid the groundwork for his later conversion.
• Political Circumstances: After the assassination of his grandfather in 1551, Dharmapala ascended the throne but became a puppet ruler heavily dependent on Portuguese military support for his survival against rival claimants, especially King Mayadunne of Sitawaka.

       Formal Conversion: In 1557, he formally renounced Buddhism and was baptized as Dom João Dharmapala Peria Bandara, the first                   Christian king in Asia. His queen also converted, taking the name Dona Catherina

       Betrayal of Buddhism

• Systematic Repression: Dharmapala became a willing collaborator in the systematic repression of Buddhism within his domain.
• Destruction of Temples: He allowed the Portuguese to ransack and burn down highly venerated Buddhist temples, including the historic Kelaniya Temple and the Sunethra Devi Pirivena in Kotte.
• Gifting the Kingdom: The most controversial act came in 1580 when, having no heir, he signed a “Deed of Gift” bequeathing his entire Kingdom of Kotte to the King of Portugal upon his death. This was seen as a complete surrender of Sinhalese sovereignty and a profound betrayal of his royal inheritance to foreign invaders.
• Aristocracy Conversion: Following the King’s conversion, many members of the Sinhalese aristocracy also followed suit, further weakening the traditional Buddhist establishment and generating widespread hostility towards Christianity among the populace.

        Consequences

       Dharmapala’s conversion and his subservience to the Portuguese led to the near extinction of Buddhism in the territories under Portuguese control. The majority of the Buddhist population opposed him, leading them to support rival kings like Mayadunne and his son, Rajasinha I of Sitawaka, who resisted Portuguese power and defended the Buddhist faith. This era marked a tragic chapter of colonial oppression and a significant cultural and religious shift in Sri Lankan history.

Courtesy:  AI Overview

Repression of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by the Portuguese

Repression of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by Portuguese by Senaka Weeraratna

Kindness of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

The Battle of Gannoruwa remains a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Kandyan Kingdom, a turning point in the Buddhist Sinhala resistance to colonial rule.

The Battle of Gannoruwa In 1638, the Battle of Gannoruwa marked the final defeat of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka. They sought to capture the Kandyan Kingdom, but King Rajasinghe II had other plans. The Portuguese forces, led by Diogo de Melo, marched toward Kandy with confidence, expecting an easy victory. However, the Kandyan army was prepared and strategically trapped the invaders near Gannoruwa. The result? A complete annihilation of the Portuguese forces. Most were killed in the fierce battle, and only a few managed to escape. This decisive victory not only ended the Portuguese ambitions in the Kandyan region but also solidified Rajasinghe II as one of the most formidable kings in Sri Lankan history. The Battle of Gannoruwa remains a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Kandyan Kingdom, a turning point in the Buddhist Sinhala resistance to colonial rule. 

Mulleriyawa: Blood & Glory | How Sri Lanka Defeated the Portuguese

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JERf1Rf2eZ

Step back into history and witness one of Sri Lanka’s greatest battles—the Battle of Mulleriyawa (1562). Led by the fearless Tikiri Bandara and King Mayadunne, the Sinhala forces crushed the Portuguese invaders in a legendary fight for freedom. Discover the tactics, the bravery, and the legacy that shaped our nation’s pride. Join us on this journey through Sri Lanka’s heroic past and see how our ancestors stood strong against colonial powers!