King Mayadunne
Reign: 1521–1581
Kingdom: sitawaka
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 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. His fierce anti-colonial stance preserved Sinhalese sovereignty in the interior, laying the foundation for his son Rajasinha's campaigns.