The Hidden Princesses of Meemure: A Legacy of Loyalty and Tragedy
Nestled deep within the Knuckles Mountain Range, the historic village of Meemure has long served as a natural fortress. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Meemure holds a somber secret—it was once the sanctuary for the daughters of the last King of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.
A Royal Refuge in "Meda Gedara"
According to the diaries of John D’Oyly, the last King had three daughters. As the British forces closed in on the Kandyan Kingdom, folk history suggests that two of these princesses were sent to Meemure for their safety. Under the protection of Meegastenne Adigar, they were housed in a residence known as "Meda Gedara" (The Middle House).
To ensure their privacy and security, a dedicated well was constructed near the legendary "Vee Kotana Gala"—a site famously associated with the encounters of Beduru Vedda, Herath Hami, and the wild boar. This well, dug from a natural spring, remains a focal point of the village’s history today.
The Mystery of the "Thorny Well"
The well used by the princesses is known by several names, reflecting the extreme measures taken to hide them:
- Katu Padure Linda: Named for the thick thorny bushes planted around the well to shield the royal maidens from public view.
- Katu Palelle Linda: Named after the Katu Palella—a defensive gate made of interwoven thorny branches fixed between two pillars to block the entrance.
- Katukiriya Linda: Another local variation used by the villagers today.
While the well has been renovated with stone and cement in modern times, it stands as a silent witness to the royal presence in the valley.
The Tragic End of a Dynasty
The sanctuary of Meemure eventually turned into a place of mourning. Folklore tells us that upon hearing the devastating news of their father’s capture by the British at Medamahanuwara, the princesses were overcome with grief. They reportedly refused food and water, eventually passing away from heartbreak and starvation.
Before their death, they gifted their precious royal jewelry to the Meda Gedara lineage as a token of gratitude for their unwavering protection. Remarkably, descendants of the Meda Gedara family still reside in Meemure today, preserving some of these royal artifacts as sacred heirlooms.
A Final Farewell
The villagers of Meemure still speak with deep reverence and sorrow about the cremation of the princesses, which took place near the "Damba Gaha Ella" waterfall (close to Thalika-kata). Even today, the story of the hidden princesses remains a poignant reminder of Meemure’s role as the final guardian of the Sinhala royalty.
Social Plugin