Ihagama; a Sharp Brainy Strategist Revealed by the Governor Robt. Brownrigg’s Letter Dated on 5th November 1816

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.