During his childhood, Lord Ambanwela Rala, who was a member of the royal court from a noble Kandyan family led a rebellion against Rajasinghe II.

It is said that Rajasinghe II humbly knelt before his son, pledging his loyalty, before the ministers officially recognized Prince Mahastana as the new king.

This news brought immense joy, leading to widespread celebrations and acts of clemency such as the release of slaves and the pardoning of criminals.

Five days later, additional ambassadors arrived in Colombo to deliver the somber news of Rajasinghe II's passing and subsequent cremation.

They also conveyed Rajasinghe II's final wish for his son to maintain friendly relations with Laurens van Pyl, the 12th Governor of Dutch Ceylon.