MY SRI LANKAThe Kotte Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Kotte, was a medieval kingdom in Sri Lanka that existed from the 14th to the 16th century. It was established by Alagakkonara, a minister who rebelled against the Jaffna Kingdom and founded his own dynasty.
Kotte became a prominent kingdom during the 15th century under the rule of King Parakramabahu VI. The kingdom reached its zenith during his reign, expanding its territory and exerting influence over much of the island. Kotte served as a center of trade and commerce, attracting merchants from various parts of the world.
One of the notable features of the Kotte Kingdom was its capital city, also called Kotte, which was fortified and strategically located near the present-day city of Colombo. The city served as the political and administrative center of the kingdom.
Despite its prosperity, the Kotte Kingdom faced internal strife and external threats. In the 16th century, it was weakened by conflicts among rival factions and Portuguese incursions. The kingdom eventually fell to the Portuguese in 1565, marking the end of its existence as an independent state.
Today, remnants of the Kotte Kingdom can still be seen in the form of archaeological sites, including the ruins of the capital city and various structures built during its heyday. The kingdom's legacy continues to influence Sri Lankan culture and history.