Don Juan Dharmapala (Portuguese: Dom João Dharmapala) was a king who ruled Sri Lanka from 1551 CE until May 27, 1597. He is known as the last true king and ruler of the Kotte Kingdom. He is unique in the history of Sri Lanka as the only Catholic Sinhalese king to ascend the throne.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
King Don Juan Dharmapala was the grandson of King Bhuvanekabahu VII of Kotte, and the son of Vidiya Bandara and Samudradevi. After the death of King Bhuvanekabahu, Prince Dharmapala was enthroned at a very young age, at the behest of the Portuguese. History records that the Portuguese sent a golden statue of him to Portugal for his coronation.
Reign and Religious Conversion
King Dharmapala reigned from 1551 CE until May 27, 1597. He was the first Catholic king of Sri Lanka, having embraced Catholicism and been baptized. He was the only Catholic Sinhalese king to ascend the throne in Sinhala history. However, he is considered a very weak ruler and failed to gain public approval due to being a Catholic king and his weak administration. Therefore, he could not independently hold the throne for long.
Ceding the Kotte Kingdom
One of the most notable events during the king’s reign was the ceding of the Kotte Kingdom to the Portuguese through a deed of gift. This act is considered a significant turning point in Sri Lankan history, enhancing foreign influence.
End
Due to the loss of public approval and weak governance, King Dharmapala had to abandon the throne. It is reported that he died while under Portuguese protection in the fort located in Colombo.
Legacy
King Don Juan Dharmapala is remembered in history as the last true king of the Kotte Kingdom and the first and only Catholic Sinhalese king of Sri Lanka. His reign marks a significant period concerning how foreign influence took root in Sri Lanka and the political transformations that occurred.