Uva Rebellion

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The Uva Rebellion, also known as the 'Great Rebellion of 1817-1818' (or the 3rd Kandyan War by the British) took place in Ceylon against the British colonial government under Governor Robert Brownrigg, which had been controlling the formerly independent Udarata (Sinhalese: Up-Country), of which Uva was a province.

It was led by Wilbawe (an alias of Duraisamy, a Nayakkar of Royal blood) and Keppetipola Disawe - a leader that the Sinhalese celebrate even today, who was sent initially by the British government to stop the uprising. The rebels captured Matale and Kandy before Keppetipola fell ill and was captured and beheaded by the British. His skull was abnormal - as it was wider than usual - and was sent to Britain for testing. It was returned to Sri Lanka after independence, and now rests in the Kandiyan Museum.

The rebellion was notable for the bloody manner of its suppression, with 'Search and Destroy' missions which presaged the Vietnam War. The inhabitants lost house, property, livestock and even the salt in their possession during the repression. The irrigation systems of the duchies of Uva and Wellassa, hitherto the rice-bowl of Sri Lanka, were systematically destroyed.

In the 'Journal of Uva,' Herbert White, a British Government Agent in Badulla after the rebellion minuted: "It is a pity that there is no evidence left behind to show the exact situation in Uva in terms of population or agriculture development after the rebellion. The new rulers are unable to come up to any conclusion on the exact situation of Uva before the rebellion as there is no trace of evidence left behind to come to such conclusions. If thousands died in the battle they were all fearless and clever fighters. If one considers the remaining population of 4/5 after the battle to be children, women and the aged, the havoc caused is unlimited. In short the people have lost their lives and all other valuable belongings. It is doubtful whether Uva has at least now recovered from the catastrophe."^[1]

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