Madduma Bandara - A national hero

My favourite national hero is Madduma Bandara. He showed his heroism to the world at the young age of nine. His brave words and his heroic act gave our nation a cause to be proud, proud of our 'Sinha' blood.

Madduma Bandara was the second son of Ehelapola, who was Minister to Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The king suspected Ehelapola of scheming to usurp the crown, which was a serious allegation. Ehelapola fled to the English. The king in his anger, sought revenge, by ordering the Ehelapola family to be killed. The order was executed on May 17, 1814.

Seeing Lokubandara's fear, Madduma Bandara came forward and said, "Aiyandi, do not be afraid. I will show you how to die." He imperiously ordered the executioner to cut off his head. The moment his head touched the ground, a national hero was born; A hero who will live in history for centuries to come.