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Weerahannadige Francisco Fernando, colloquially known by his nickname Puran Appu (Sinhala language පුරන් අප්පු) is one of the notable figures of Sri Lanka's post-Kandyan history. Regarded colloquially as a national hero, his staunch resistance against British Ceylon made him a symbol of independence and patriotism within many Sri Lankans. He was born on 7 November 1812 and raised in the coastal town of Moratuwa. He left Moratuwa with his family at the age of 13 in the aftermath of a village dispute and stayed in Ratnapura with his uncle, who was the first Sinhalese people proctor, eventually settling in Uva province. In early 1847, he met and married Bandara Menike, the daughter of Gunnepana Arachchi in Kandy.
Despite being an instrumental leader in leading the Matale rebellion, the subsequent brutal suppression of the uprising by the British led to his capture along with Gongalegoda Banda and Ven. Kudapola Thera. He was executed by a firing squad on August 8, 1848, with his body being buried in Matale.
In a letter written by Governor George Byng, 7th Viscount Torrington towards Earl Grey, the Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in London dating to October 9, 1849, stated:
“I remind you of the last words of Puranappu. He held up his hands and said if there had been half a dozen such men as me to lead, there would not be a white man living in the Kandyan Province. This is true. If there had been such leaders, without doubt for a time we should have lost the country.”
It was at this stage of his career that he headed a band of outlaws and initiated a reign of terror against European planters and officials in Uva Province, much to the delight of his people, his daring exploits against the Europeans in Sri Lanka soon made him a legendary hero in Sri Lanka.
He was now convinced of the necessity of expelling the British from Sri Lanka.
With this end in view, he conferred with the Sangha of Mahiyangana and Muthiyangana who pledged him their support. This was in 1845. He married a highland woman, Bandara Menike of Harispattuwa, in 1847. They had a daughter. Francisco was now called Puran Appu. He broke into House of Magistrate Dawson of Badulla and was imprisoned and then broke prison. He cursed Major Rodgers who brought a false charge against him and Major Rodgers was struck by lightning in Nuwara Eliya.
The Gazette notification by the Colonial Secretary, Sir James Emerson Tennent on January 1, 1847, offered 10 pounds for his apprehension and described him as follows
“Puranappu originally of Morette, lately of Kandy, trade – unknown, caste – fisher (Karava), aged 34 years, height 5 ft 71/2 inches, hair – long and black, eyes – light hazel, complexion – light, well looking, make – well made, stout, marks of punishment on the back and 4 vaccination marks.
After three weeks of preparation in the early hours of July 28, 1848, a crowd of eight to ten thousand men under Puranappu's leadership armed with guns, spears and knives set off for Kandy from Dambulla.
The plan was for Puranappu, Gongalagoda Banda and Dingirala to go in three different directions then meet at Katugastota and attack Kandy on Sunday, 30 July.
Puranappu's army first attacked Fort McDowl in Matale. Government buildings and property were ransacked – kachcheries, jails, rest houses and court house records. The coffee stores of Lieutenant General Herbert Maddock, a key adviser to the Government in Kandy was set on fire. Britain's Empire: Resistance, Repression and Revolt By Richard Gott Puran Appu was successful in capturing Matale for a while and the people in another demonstration of popular fervor, proclaimed him King of Kandy. The De Soysa Charitaya, by C. Don Bastian and V. S. M. De Mel, p. 71 (University of California) ASIN B00H1CYGL4
His success, however, was short-lived. An ill-trained army, equipped with primitive weapons was no match for the superior arms and organisation of the British Half-way between Matale and Kandy, the Sinhala forces, depleted by desertions and their movements betrayed by traitors, were intercepted by British troops and Puran Appu himself was captured and taken to Kandy. With his capture, the Rebellion fizzled out.
Brought to trial before a Court Martial, he was found guilty of having waged war against H.M. Queen Victoria and condemned to be shot.
On August 8, 1848, on the banks of the Bogambara Wewa, Veera Puran Appu was executed.
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