King Rajasinha I
Reign: 1581–1593 CE
Kingdom: Sitawaka
Country: Sri Lanka
International Connections
Rajasinha I of Sitawaka waged relentless war against the Portuguese for 12 years, nearly driving them from the island. He besieged Colombo and forced Kotte into submission, but internal strife and Portuguese naval superiority prevented total victory.
Rajasinha I (1581–1593) succeeded Mayadunne in Sitawaka, ruling for twelve years with fierce anti-Portuguese militancy. He conquered Kotte temporarily, besieged Portuguese forts, and attempted to eliminate Christian influence. However, internal overextension and succession disputes weakened Sitawaka; after his death, the kingdom collapsed. His reign represents the zenith and denouement of militant Sinhalese resistance based in Sitawaka.