King Mayadunne
Reign: 1521–1581 CE
Kingdom: Sitawaka
Country: Sri Lanka
International Connections
Mayadunne founded the independent Sitawaka kingdom, resisting Portuguese expansion for 60 years. He waged continuous guerrilla warfare against both Kotte's Portuguese-backed rulers and colonial garrisons.
Mayadunne (1521–1581) established the Sitawaka kingdom in opposition to Portuguese-aligned Kotte. His 60-year reign emphasized militant resistance to European encroachment and aggressive expansion against rival Sinhalese kingdoms. He waged prolonged warfare against Kotte and the emerging Kandyan kingdom, positioning Sitawaka as the anti-colonial standard-bearer. His military campaigns and fortification projects reflect adaptive kingship under colonial pressure.