The –Dutchwar–Dutch-Kandyan War of 1670-1675 emerged as a result of territorial ambitions on the part of the Dutch, who sought to extend their dominion. The conflict saw French involvement, potentially at Rajasinha's invitation, although they were ultimately ousted. Consequently, the Dutch managed to expand their territorial holdings, successfully achieving their objectives.
Background
In 1602, the Dutch established strategic installations within Sri Lanka's territory. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Kingdom of Kandy, aimed at displacing the Portuguese presence from the region. During this concerted effort, the Dutch, led by figures like Van Goens, managed to drive out the Portuguese, effectively dislodging them from their foothold.
Van Goens, however, harbored ambitions to regain control over the area known as the "Seven Korales," situated in Chilaw. This region had formerly been part of Portuguese Ceylon and was contested by the Dutch. Despite their efforts, The Dutch gave it to the Kingdom of Kandy
Van Goens was resolute in his determination to reclaim the land, a move that had broader implications. By doing so, he sought to isolate the Kingdom of Kandy and bolster the Dutch East India Company's dominion along the entire coastline. This expansionist strategy was primarily aimed at consolidating control over the lucrative cinnamon trade. Although Van Goens recognized that such territorial expansion might provoke hostilities with the Kingdom of Kandy, he pursued this course of action nonetheless.
Dutch expansion
Two armies advanced from Colombo to Ruvanvälla and from Galle to Bibilēgama, establishing stockades. Originally aimed at fostering good relations and encouraging migration to lowlands, this effort transformed into outright annexation, encompassing areas like Sabaragamuva and Ratnapura. In 1667, expansion reached Arandara and Alauva, with further fortifications. Although in 1668, uprisings led to temporary Dutch garrison evacuation, posts were later reclaimed. The Dutch reoccupied Trincomalee in September 1665, in line with the king's approval. Rajasinghe's lack of resistance facilitated this relatively easy annexation, boosting Dutch confidence in his waning authority. In 1668, a second eastern expansion occurred, encompassing Batticaloa and Kottiyar. While local submission occurred initially, subsequent revolts were suppressed. In 1669, an expedition from Galle extended control to the Walave River-Arugam Bay area, vital for salt supply and Kandy control. Yāla, Māgama, and Arugam Bay were fortified. This expansion reclaimed former Portuguese territory lost to Kandy in the 1650s. The newly acquired lands were consolidated via local appointments and exemptions from taxes. Rajasinghe's passitivity during this period remains unknown.
Response to expansion
Consequently, this expansionist pursuit triggered a response from the Kingdom of Kandy, which found itself compelled to address the Dutch advancements and assert its own interests in the region.
War
First Kandyan offensive
In August 1670, Raja Singha reacted to the VOC's gradual inland expansion by launching assaults on the company's remote forts. First, the attack targeted the Arandora fort, followed by the Ruanwella and Sitawaka forts along the Kelani river's upper stretches. This development proved frustrating for Van Goens, who had consistently asserted that Raja Singha was frail and unresponsive to territorial expansions. However this expedition was of no use, the Dutch reorganized they're army and drove the Kandyans back, and gained even more territory. So the VOC's gains under Van Goens's leadership faced a minor challenge from the 1670 Kandyan offensive, which, though not a true threat to the VOC Ceylon stronghold, prompted increased vigilance among the company's leadership. Batavia had opposed some of Van Goens's grander projects, particularly the relocation of the capital and direct communication with Dutch directors, due to potential risks to the High Government. While initially supported by the Ceylonese bureaucracy, Van Goens's policies encountered substantial criticism from VOC personnel within Ceylon in the 1670s, leading to doubts about his strategies and intentions. The portrayal of Kandy played a significant role in Van Goens's endeavors, aiming to secure the directors' endorsement for conquest by depicting Raja Singha as a weak, unpopular, heirless king, thus justifying the VOC's potential takeover of the kingdom.