The Dutch-Kandy War of 1764-1766 marked a military conflict between the Dutch East India Company and the Kingdom of Kandy, culminating in the occupation of Kandy by Dutch forces and the subsequent transfer of the entire coastal territory of Sri Lanka to Dutch control.
The Dutch administration pursued a territorial expansion strategy that contrasted with the prior Portuguese approach. They considerably enlarged their controlled territory, ultimately gaining control over the remaining harbors and effectively isolating the highland kingdom of Kandy. This isolation rendered Kandy landlocked and prevented its potential alliance with external powers. Through a combination of this strategic encirclement and a prominent display of military might, the authority of the Kandyan kings was subdued. Subsequently, Kandy encountered difficulties in mounting substantial resistance, except in its periodically shifting frontier areas.
Despite an underlying tension between Kandy and the Dutch, open hostilities erupted between the two in 1762 and 1763. During this period, the Dutch captured Chilaw and Puttalam, which were subsequently retaken,[4] and the Kandys where trying to form an alliance with Britain These events prompted the Dutch Council of Indies in Batavia to take decisive action against the Kandyan king. In response to provocations by Kandy that led to riots in lowland regions, the Dutch authorities initiated a punitive expedition.[5]
First Expedition
On February 3, an expedition led by Van Eck departed for Colombo, accompanied by two officers. Subsequently, they joined forces with additional troops and undertook a march towards Kandy. Regrettably, adverse weather conditions and impassable roadways hindered the progress of this venture, leading to the Dutch having to retreat. Subsequent to these events, a confidential meeting took place aimed at bolstering the armed forces. The result was the enlistment of two battalions of sepoys and approximately 1,000 soldiers from various regions, including India, Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), aspiring to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, resolved on September 14, 1764, that an invasion would be launched. The army set out from Gonavila, subsequently joined by reinforcements from Puttalam, thereby initiating the planned invasion.[6]
Dutch invasion, and occupation of Kandy
On January 13, 1765, Van Eck, accompanied by Koopman and other officers, embarked on a journey from Colombo to rendezvous with an army stationed at Gonavila. Their route took them through Negombo and Tambaravila. Subsequent intelligence revealed that the Kandyans were bolstering their forces and fortifications, actively preparing for a potential invasion.
Despite numerous challenges including widespread illnesses and frequent skirmishes, the Dutch army managed to persevere and eventually reached Kandy. Their journey led them through various locations, including Katugampola, Etambole, Visnave, Pidaravala, Kurunegala, Teliangona, and Vauda. Their final destination was the heavily fortified Galagedra fortress, which posed significant challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, after a day of concerted efforts, the fortress was successfully captured.
The main army successfully crossed the Hoenay Oya on the morning of February 16.[7] Upon reaching Katugastota along the banks of the Mahaweli River, they encountered another colonel who had already established a camp in the vicinity. Occupying the king's pleasure residence, they proceeded to plunder it. Subsequently, on February 19, they crossed the river. Arriving at the king's palace, they observed the king's absence. This led them to remain there for three days, during which they engaged in looting and plundering.
Map of the kings palace
Notably, substantial Kandyan forces emerged, bearing white flags as a sign of submission to the company. This event unfolded on February 22, and Van Eck, in response, conducted promotions for army officers and generals.
The invasion proceeded with notable success, characterized by a lack of setbacks. Swiftly advancing and overcoming every Kandyan army they encountered, they demonstrated remarkable progress. In a parallel effort, another contingent led by Colonel Wesel, numbering 700 men, set out to dismantle the king's alternate palace. Upon receiving information that the king was residing there. Upon reaching the palace, it became evident that the king had fled again, the soldiers plundered and looted it again. As this group returned, they fell victim to an ambush, resulting in the unfortunate death of 48 soldiers on March 4.
One of the canons captured by the Dutch during the invasion of Kandy
On the same day, Van Eck, along with fellow officers, journeyed back to Colombo. During their absence, Colonel Feber assumed responsibility for overseeing the occupation. Van Eck's return was met with a warm welcome and congratulations for the successful campaign. However, news soon arrived that the Kandyans had adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, launching an attack on a transport and a farm.[8] Colonel Feber, who was in charge of the occupation, sought additional reinforcements in response to sporadic guerrilla warfare activities. Subsequently, following a significant engagement between Dutch forces and Kandyan insurgents on March 24, reinforcements successfully entered occupied Kandy. During a battle while marching to Feber, Major Franken's troops emerged victorious against the Kandyan forces, compelling them to retreat to higher terrain. After a period of illness within the Dutch ranks and subsequent skirmishes with the Kandyan adversaries, diplomatic negotiations eventually led to the establishment of a peace agreement.[9]
After 1 year of occupation the Dutch agreed to a treaty with Kandy however it was very harsh to the Kandy forcing them to acknowledge Dutch sovereignty over all the islands, and the entire coastline, so Kandy became landlocked, and thus dependent on the Dutch for imports.
An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon is a book written by the English trader and sailor Robert Knox in 1681. It describes his experiences some years earlier in the Kingdom of Kandy, on the island today known as Sri Lanka. It provides one of the most important contemporary accounts of 17th century Sri Lankan life.
Robert Knox was an English sea captain in the service of the British East India Company. He was the son of another sea captain, also named Robert Knox.
Sebald or Sebald de Weert was a Flemish captain and vice-admiral of the Dutch East India Company. He is most widely remembered for accurately plotting the Falkland Islands in 1600.
The Kingdom of Kandy was a monarchy on the island of Sri Lanka, located in the central and eastern portion of the island. It was founded in the late 15th century and endured until the early 19th century.
Gerard Pietersz Hulft, was a Dutch general. In 1655 he was sent with a fleet to Ceylon and died in action.
Petrus Vuyst or Vuijst was the 20th Governor of Ceylon during the Dutch colonial period.
Stephanus Versluijs or Versluys was the 21st Governor of Dutch Ceylon.
Wolvendaal Church is located in Pettah, a neighbourhood of Colombo. It is one of the most important Dutch Colonial era buildings in Sri Lanka, and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in the country.
The Matara Fort was built in 1560 by the Portuguese and was substantially re-built by the Dutch in 1640, following the capture of Galle. The fort, which consists of a large stone rampart, occupies the promontory, which separates the Niwala Ganga (River) lagoon and the ocean.
Peter Daniel Anthonisz was a Burgher doctor who was the first Ceylonese to obtain an M.R.C.P. and F.R.C.S. He was also the inaugural president of the Ceylon Branch of the British Medical Association and a member of the Legislative Council for nine years.
Negombo Fort was a small but important fort in Negombo, approx. 30 km (19 mi) north of Colombo, that was built by the Portuguese to defend Colombo.
Katuwana Fort, is an inland fort constructed by the Dutch in 1646.
Malwana fort was located in Malwana, Gampaha, on the banks of the Kelani River. It was built by Portuguese in 1590s. The small fort served as a residence for the Portuguese Governor or Captain-Generals. Records indicate that a company of 70 soldiers were stationed at the fort. The fort was attacked by Kandyan forces in the 1630s. The Portuguese subsequently abandoned it and focused their forces on Colombo fort and its defence.
Hanwella fort was located in Hanwella, Colombo, on the banks of the Kelani River. Hanwella, which means 'skin sands', was the site of an ancient ferry route across the river. Malwana fort was situated about 15 km (9.3 mi) on the other side of the Kelani River.
John Leonard Kalenberg van Dort, commonly known as J. L. K. van Dort, was a 19th-century Ceylonese artist of Dutch Burgher descent.
Clan House is a two-storey white stone building, located at 24 Church Street, Galle.
St. Peter's Church is one of the oldest continuously functioning churches in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located on Church Street in Colombo Fort, on the northern side of the Grand Oriental Hotel.
Kruys Church or Kruys Kerk is located within the Jaffna fort in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and is situated near the entrance to the fort. The church was built by the Dutch in 1706 and was one of the oldest Protestant churches in the country.
The Galle Fort Post Office is the post office in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka.
The Battle of Mannar was a short battle fought between the Dutch and the opposing Portuguese forces on 22 February 1658. This battle, along with the subsequent capture of Jaffna would mark the end of Portuguese Ceylon.
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Kingdom of Kandy 
Lubbert Jan van Eck 
