Alagakkonara

Who is Alagakkonara?

Alagakkonara or Allegakoen or Alakeshwara was a prominent feudal family that provided powerful ministers and military rulers during the medieval period in Sri Lanka. Although some historian say that the family was of Malayalee origin others say it originated in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. They arrived in Sri Lanka around the 13th century and naturalized themselves in Sri Lanka. One member of the family is noted for founding the current capital of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayewardenapura-Kotte as a fort from which he waged a war against encroaching tax collectors from the Jaffna Kingdom in the north. The family lost most of its influence after its leader Vira Alakeshwara was taken captive by the Chinese Admiral Zheng He in 1411.