The discussion at Malwana

The Sinhala people detested the customs and manners of the Portuguese. They respected and protected their own customs. General Azavedo thought this was not a sign of proper subjugation to the Portuguese. So he decided to have a discussion on the matter, with the Sinhala leaders. Malwana was the selected venue to hold the discussion. The general ordered that two delegates from each Korale should be sent for this discussion. This was the first meeting where representatives were selected on a provincial basis.

At the meeting, it was decided that the people of Kotte, who were the new subjects of King Phillip of Portugal, should be ruled according to the laws and customs of the Portuguese. If the Sinhala delegates agreed to this condition, the chiefs could continue to enjoy the privileges they had been enjoying so far. The chiefs said that the conditions should be discussed with the people and requested two days for this. The general acceded to their request. So the delegates had a meeting with the people. There, they realized that it was difficult for the people to adapt to the Portuguese customs.

Two days later, the chiefs met the general and told him that the people did not like to abandon their own customs and manners. They even said that besides the chiefs, not even the King of Portugal could make them change their ways. They further added that if the people were allowed to follow their own customs, it was easy to persuade them to respect and serve King Phillip as their own king. The general was agreeable to this idea. A condition was also added that no one should obstruct the people following Christianity. Both parties agreed and signed the agreement.

In addition to this, it was sworn and agreed that General Azavedo, on behalf of King Phillip will uphold and protect the customs and manners of the Sinhala people and the Sinhala delegates would willingly serve King Phillip. However, though Azavedo promised to protect the age old Sinhala customs, it was not written down that they should be protected in the future. Therefore, it was difficult for the governors who succeeded him, to know exactly what these customs were.

By Halaliye Karunathilake Edited and translated by Kamala Silva Illustrated by Saman Kalubowila