 Following the annexation of the Kandyan Kingdom by the British under the terms of the Kandyan Convention in 1815, British started to antagonise the Kandyan Chiefs who signed the convention through their actions.This included the breach of promises made by the British chiefs in terms retaining the traditional privileges enjoyed by them during the era of the Kandyan Kingdom.They were further angered by the appointment of a Moor loyal to the British, Haji Marikkar as "Travala Madige Muhandiram" of Wellassa undermining the authority of Millewa Dissawa sparked the rebellion.