Abstract:
The name ''Ihagama'' is of a Buddhist Priest who lived in British Colonial Era in Ceylon. The
Objective of this research is to investigate about ''Ihagama'' as a contemporary strategist who
influenced the battle of 1818. The Strategies Adapted to win the battle were holding of secret
meetings, deploying of sleuths, using Bikkuhu as sleuths, trying to develop foreign relationship
with the intention of getting a king from Burma, trying to integrate British hostile forces,
conducting oblations and psalms, offering bribes etc. Historical Methodology was used for the
Data collection of this research. Since 2nd March 1815 Sinhala People started fighting against
the British Government. In this battle the Leadership was given by Bikkus who lived in
upcountry at that time. Among them, some Buddhist Bikkhus emerged as fighters for the
freedom of the Nation. Leadership and activities of ''Ihagama'' was a huge threat to the British
Government. As British were informed that ''Ihagama'' was the leading personality in the anti-
British movement in the Ceylon, the British authorities in Ceylon took action to curb his
Organizing with the help of the loyal aristocrats and spies who lived in Ceylon. Finally it could
be concluded that ''Ihagama'' is one of the most patriotic leaders and a Sharp brainy strategist
who was interested in organizing the activities to safeguard the country and the Buddhist
Religion from the British Tyranny.
