Conceptualization of Local Combat Identity revealed through Battle of Gannoruwa (AIPAR & AIPA Loop Concept)

Abstract

The Portuguese, who has invaded Kandyan Kingdom in 1592 , 1603 and 1630, faced massive defeats from Kandyan army. By the year 1638, King Rajasinghe II, the King of Kandy, was planned to banish the Portuguese with support of Dutch. Portuguese captain general Diogo de Melo de Castro's intention was to invade the Kandyan Kingdom and subjugate entire Sri Lanka before King Rajasinghe's aim was achieved. By this very idea, in 1638, King Rajasingha strategically allowed the Portuguese to enter his territory and he was retreated to Medamahanuwara. Finally, King Rajasinghe defeated the Portuguese at Gannoruwa with the support of the King Wijayapala, the ruler of Matale. This study depends on secondary data and basically it is a historic battle analysis. Main objective of this study is to expose the Local Combat Identity through the analysis of Gannoruwa battle. Researcher proposes that the Manoeuvrist Approach is applicable to analyze the Gannoruwa Battle. The Gannoruwa Battle analysis which based on the three components of Manoeuvrist Aapproach is as follows. 1. Defeating the enemy’s will to fight. – The Portuguese who invaded Kandy had conspired to get the support from King Wijayapala of Matale. The King Rajasinghe who had identified the trick in advance, completely defeated the will to fight of the Portuguese. 2. Defeating the enemy’s Centre of gravity – It means that, identifying and attacking the powerful but risky source of enemy's battle power. Although the Portuguese awaited the support of King Wijayapala, Rajasingha who had broken that target and assaulted Portuguese by using King Wijayapala's troops in Gunnaruwa. 3. Attacking the enemy’s decision making process by getting inside his decision making cycle - The OODA loop concept, which was introduced by US colonel John Boyd is use to describe this. Observe, Orientate, Decide and Act are 4 components of OODA loop. According to the OODA loop Kandyans watched the enemy, adapted themselves to the situation of the enemy, decided the best time and best way to attack and finally they attacked. Kandyans have used military technology and plans which were apposite to their geography and defeated more powerful and experienced Portuguese force. The researcher suggests the concept of AIPAR & AIPA loop which was displayed by Kandyan force in Gannoruwa battle is more advanced than the OODA loop concept. It is presented that, understanding of the enemy through stages of Analyze, Identify, Prepare, Act and Response with the understanding of own force through stages of Analyze, Identify, Prepare and Act. This new AIPAR & AIPA loop concept can be used successfully in the creation of an Army doctrine with Sri Lankan identity for Sri Lanka Army