The Sitawaka Kingdom (Sinhala: සීතාවක, Tamil: சீதாவாக்கை இராசதானி) was a prominent kingdom situated in south-central Sri Lanka. It emerged following the division of the Kingdom of Kotte after the "Spoiling of Vijayabahu" in 1521 and went on to dominate much of the island for about seventy years. Despite its military successes and fierce resistance to the Portuguese, who arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505, Sitawaka faced internal instability and external challenges, ultimately disintegrating after the death of its last king, Rajasimha I, in 1593.

History:

Foundation: The Kingdom of Kotte, a major power in western Sri Lanka, had united the entire island under one crown by the early 15th century. However, by 1467, the Jaffna Kingdom in the north had declared its independence. The arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 further complicated the political landscape, with the client kingdom of Kandy operating independently. The Spoiling of Vijayabahu in 1521 led to the division of Kotte, giving rise to the Kingdom of Sitawaka. Its initial territory included regions such as Kosgama, Ruwanwella, and Padukka.

Rise (1521–1551): Under Bhuvanekabahu VII, Sitawaka sought alliances with the Portuguese to secure its throne. Despite resistance, the Portuguese presence in Kotte persisted. Attempts to seize Kotte in 1537 failed, and a truce was negotiated. Mayadunne, ruling from Sitawaka, annexed the kingdom of Raigama in 1538. Subsequent invasions of Kotte in 1539 and 1543 were repulsed, maintaining the balance of power.

Conquest of Kotte (1551–1581): Portuguese involvement increased with the arrival of viceroy Afonso de Noronha in 1550. The Portuguese sacked Sitawaka in 1550 but failed to retain control. Bhuvanekabahu was assassinated in 1551, and Dharmapala, heavily reliant on Portuguese support, converted to Catholicism. A new fortress in Colombo was constructed in 1554. Dharmapala's conversion and Portuguese influence created unrest.

Rajasinha I: Mayadunne's death in 1581 saw Rajasinha I ascend to the throne. In 1582, he conquered Kandy, unifying Sri Lanka under Sitawakan rule. However, internal conflicts and Portuguese intrigue led to executions and a turn against the Buddhist clergy. Temples were destroyed, and Rajasinha converted to Hinduism in 1587. The siege of Colombo in 1587 failed, and Rajasinha's later years were spent defending borders.

Legacy and Successor States: Portuguese forces sacked Sitawaka in 1594, and Kandy's resurgence under Vimaladharmasuriya I further weakened Sitawaka. The Portuguese remained in power until the early 17th century. Kandy became a major source of resistance against European powers. Sitawaka's former prominence diminished, and its royal complex was lost to the jungle.

Military: Sitawaka was known for its military power, challenging Europeans in warfare. By 1587, it could raise a sizable army armed with muskets and cannons. Despite its strength, Sitawaka struggled in siege warfare and lacked a robust navy, preventing the complete expulsion of the Portuguese. The Portuguese, with their superior naval power, defended coastal forts effectively, contributing to Sitawaka's ultimate downfall. The kingdom's military weaknesses, coupled with internal issues, led to its demise.