Thammanna Nuwara
Upatissa Nuwara
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Chola
Ruhuna
Polonnaruwa
Dambadeniya
Yapahuwa
Kurunegala
Gampola
Kotte
Sitawaka
Kandy
Portuguese
Dutch
British
Monarch of Ceylon
187
King Senarat
Kingdom of Kandy
1604 AC - 1635 AC

King Senarat and the Succession after Vimaladharmasuriya I

After the death of King Vimaladharmasuriya I, it is recorded that two of his four sons had already died, while the remaining children were still very young. Because of this situation, the king arranged for his successor to be chosen from within the extended royal family.

He brought in his maternal uncle’s son, who had at that time taken monastic robes, and had him leave the Buddhist order. He was then given all the education and training required for kingship.

After the death of Vimaladharmasuriya I due to a severe fever, this prince ascended the throne as King Senarat (Senerat).

He married Queen Kusumasana Devi, the widow of his predecessor, and also took responsibility for raising her two sons and daughter.


Portuguese Conflicts and the Randeniwela Battle

During his reign, he effectively resisted repeated Portuguese invasions of the Kandyan Kingdom. One of the most significant victories attributed to this period is the Battle of Randeniwela (1630 CE), where the Portuguese forces suffered a major defeat.


Internal Power Division

Fearing future conflicts between his own sons and the sons of his relatives over succession, King Senarat decided to divide administrative authority among them during his lifetime:

This division was intended to maintain balance and prevent internal conflict within the royal family.


Isura Wickramarachchi
Mahawansa Pradeepikawa

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