Hewa Kolama

The Hewayo (royal guards), who served as the protectors of the king, enter the performance arena. Their duty is to ensure that the roads are properly cleaned and prepared for the king’s arrival and to inspect whether the accommodations and comforts of the royal family are in suitable condition. Seeing their distorted and unusual faces, Kariya Karawana Rala asks them what happened.
In response, the guards explain that they received those injuries during a battle fought at Gampola against the British. They claim that, instead of using shields for protection, they used their own faces, which resulted in their injuries.
While returning from the battle, they sought relief from the pain of their wounds by immersing their faces in the Kandy Lake. During this time, leeches attached themselves to their faces. However, the guards were unaware that their faces had become disfigured and that leeches were hanging from them. They proudly declare that they are in excellent health.
After being questioned by Kariya Karawana Rala, the guards look at one another’s faces and burst into laughter at their comical appearance. They then harass the people by demanding food and drink. Finally, they perform an impressive and entertaining sword dance and leave the stage.
The following is the translation of a verse regarding the coming of the soldiers:
"Obtaining posts & designations from the ancient kings - Three by names of glutton, dumb, and broken nose
Oh! the way they fought the war, clots of blood in the ear and nose - Oh! the way the soldier comes falling again and again to a side"