Vijayabā Kollaya

Before his elevation to the throne, prince Vijayabahu lived with his brother Chakrayudabahu,and his wife Kirawelle Mahabiso Bandara, as an associate husband. During their stay at Menikkadawara, the princess gave birth to four princes, Maha Rayigam Bandara who died at a young age, The three princes discovered the plot and with the assistance of the priests, While the two elder princes remained under the care of the Patabenda of Yapa Patuna, prince Mayadunne journeyed to the Kingdom of Kandy where King Jayavira ruled and his queen was Mayadunne’s cousin. As a result, the King was forced to sue for peace ==Spoiling of Vijayabahu==

The three princes entered the capital with their army. Unknown to them, King Vijayabahu VI had a detachment of sixty chosen soldiers lying in concealment at Rahas Kunda Watta in order to bar the palace gates and to assassinate the princes. They plundered the palace, treasury, and the harem. They burst open the treasure chests and gems, gold, silver, silk, and pearls were looted. Vijayabahu's valuables and royal wardrobe were tossed from hand to hand. However, strict orders were conveyed by beating drums, that none of the citizens were to be harmed so as to prevent looting in the streets. Meanwhile Vijayabahu VI was allowed to escape to the upper storey. He locked himself in a room with two of his concubines. During the night it was decided to assassinate the king. Since none of the Sinhalese dared to shed royal blood, a foreign assassin named Salman was hired to carry out the deed. He killed Vijayabahu VI inside his chamber. ==Rebellion of Hapitigama==

The following morning, the council of ministers assembled and selected prince Bhuvanekabahu, the eldest prince, to succeed to the throne. Through Aluthkuruwa they arrived at Ambana and Pasonnuwara and raised the standard of rebellion in Hapitigama Korale. Prince Mayadunne then arrived with an army and swiftly suppressed the uprising, killing both ringleaders. The inhabitants of Hapitigama Korale were harshly punished, and several high-caste nobles were handed over to Pannayo—a member of one of the lowest castes—whose duty was to cut grass for the elephants. ==Kingdom divided==

After pacifying the rebellion, a formal coronation took place and Bhuvanekabahu came to the throne as King Buvanekabahu VII. As advised by the Chief Minister Illangakoon, the kingdom was divided into three parts. Youngest prince, Mayadunne, received Sitawaka, Denawaka and Four Korales as Kingdom of Sitawaka while Prince Rayigam Bandara received Raigama, Walallawiti and Pasyodun Korale (excluding the sea ports) as the Principality of Raigama. ==See also==