The Geo-political importance of historical Rohana as a national security center.

Abstract

The ancient Ceylon was called the “Tri - Sinhala” with divisions of Three kingdoms named as Ruhunu, Maya and Pihiti (Rajarata). Rajarata was the main ruling centre and Rohana was a regional kingdom in the ancient Sri Lanka. In several occasions the Rohana kingdom acted as a National security centre to protect the main Rajarata kingdom. The Geo - Political background of Rohana directly served this purpose. This study was done under four main objectives to show how the Rohana kingdom performed as a National security centre. They are as follows. The Rohana not being subjected to foreign invasions that affected the Rajarata and its being able to safe guard itself from foreign authority. In times of the Rajarata being subjected to foreign authority the Rohana which remained an independent sub - kingdom during the same period of time being engaged in organizational activities needed for saving the Rajarata. Keeping on providing of necessary protection to the Rajarata kingdom after saving it from foreign authority. Providing necessary protection to the kings who fled to the Rohana in seeking protection in the face of international rebellions and struggles. It is quite clear that the historical Rohana was in a position to function as a National security centre when the national security was most needed mainly because of its Geo - Political situation protected by mountain ranges, passes, rock passes, rivers and forest, other physical futures and so on. 3rd National Geography Conference, January 8th and 9th, 2010 These facts show that Rohana acted as a National Security Centre in the ancient period of Sri Lanka. Information for this study was derived from literary sources, inscriptions and field survey upon some monuments and historical places. This study was done under four main factors to show how the Rohana kingdom performed as a National security centre. They are as follows. The Rohana not being subjected to foreign invasions that affected the Rajarata and its being able to safe guard itself from foreign authority. In times of the Rajarata being subjected to foreign authority the Rohana which remained an independent sub - kingdom during the same period of time being engaged in organizational activities needed for saving the Rajarata.