Dom João Periya Pandara’s Deed of Gift: Confirmed by the Colombo Council

Following the death of King Dharmapala, also known as Dom João Periya Pandara of the Kotte Kingdom, the Portuguese emerged as the dominant power in Sri Lanka. They became the rulers of the ancient Kotte Kingdom, which extended from the Kala Oya to the Walawe River, and later asserted control over the Jaffna Kingdom. Rather than conquering the Kotte Kingdom through military means, the Portuguese employed diplomacy to persuade the last King of Kotte to cede the kingdom to them. After the death of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe, the entire Kotte region fell under Portuguese control. Additionally, a deed was secured from Dharmapala that stipulated that if he died without an heir, his kingdom would be transferred to the Portuguese. This document significantly boosted Portuguese authority over the administration and territory of the kingdom. Their power was further solidified through a council convened in Colombo shortly after Dharmapala's death. This article examines the confirmation of their power and the process by which the Portuguese came to control Sri Lanka, using a historical research approach.