History of Sri Lanka

History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s history spans over 2,500 years, featuring ancient kingdoms, colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and its transition to independence in 1948. The island has a rich cultural and religious heritage.

Page Content:

– Sri Lanka History 2500 Years
– Sri Lanka history dates back to 543 BC
– Sri Lanka History 2,500 years
– Sri Lanka Colonial Era
– Historical Tours & Itineraries

A lot speculations circulate about the origin’s of the Sri Lankans. It is widely believed that the ancestors arrived from the Northern part of India during the 6th century BC , 300 years before Buddhism started spreading along the subcontinent. But some people believe that the Adam’s peak in Sri Lankan is the place where Adam first set foot to the Earth and that the foot print at the peak actually belong’s to Adam , but buddhists believe that the foot print’s owner is the Buddha, hence the reason for pilgrimages up the Siripada.

Even the Adam’s bridge ( the bridge connecting the Southern Indian coast and the Northern peninsula of Sri Lanka ) , is said to be tred by Adam himself, whereas the other theories are that Rama with the help of Hanuman crossed the bridge in order to save Sita from the evil clutches of Ravana.

Sri Lanka history dates back to 543 BC

However according to the great chronicles , Sri Lankan history dates back to 543 BC. In which during this time Prince Vijaya sets foot on Sri Lanka. After about 300 years Arhat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, significant changes took place culturally. According to chronicles , the arrival of Vijaya was preceded by Yakkha’s, Naga’s and Deva’s. During the 15th century Sri Lanka was under colonial rule after invasion of Europeans such as the Portuguese.

History of Sri Lanka 2,500 years

Sri Lankan History Ancient Period

Sri Lanka’s history dates back over 2,500 years, marked by rich and diverse cultural influences. The island was initially inhabited by indigenous people, and later by Indo-Aryan migrants from the Indian subcontinent.

Early Settlements and Kingdoms:

• Anuradhapura (377 BC – 1017 AD): The Anuradhapura Kingdom was one of the earliest established Sinhalese kingdoms. It became a major center of Theravada Buddhism and saw the construction of many stupas, monasteries, and other religious monuments.
• Polonnaruwa (1017 – 1232): Following the decline of Anuradhapura, the kingdom of Polonnaruwa rose to prominence. It became the second great capital and saw significant developments in architecture, irrigation, and trade.

Influence of Buddhism:

• Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. The religion played a crucial role in shaping the island’s culture, governance, and art.

Sri Lanka History Medieval Period

Chola Invasions:

• The island faced invasions from South Indian Chola dynasties during the late Anuradhapura period, leading to a period of Tamil influence and the establishment of the Chola-controlled kingdom in the north.

Kingdom of Kandy:

• By the 15th century, the Kingdom of Kandy emerged as a significant power. It maintained its independence despite attempts at conquest by both the Portuguese and Dutch.

Sri Lanka History Colonial Period

Portuguese Rule (1505 – 1658):

• The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Sri Lanka. They established control over coastal areas and attempted to spread Christianity. Their rule was marked by conflicts with the native kingdoms.

Dutch Rule (1658 – 1796):

• The Dutch East India Company took control from the Portuguese, further expanding European influence. The Dutch focused on trade and controlled the coastal regions, leaving the interior largely independent.

British Rule (1796 – 1948):

• The British gradually took control of the island, initially managing it as part of British India before making it a separate crown colony. The British introduced plantation agriculture, notably tea, rubber, and coffee, transforming the economy. They also built extensive infrastructure, including roads and railways.

Sri Lanka History Independence and Modern Era

Independence (1948):

• Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, gained independence from Britain on February 4, 1948. The country adopted a parliamentary system of government.

Ethnic Conflict and Civil War (1983 – 2009):

• Post-independence, ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils escalated, leading to the outbreak of civil war in 1983. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fought for an independent Tamil state in the north and east. The conflict caused significant loss of life and displacement. It ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan government.

Post-War Period:

• Since the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has focused on rebuilding and reconciliation. The country has made strides in economic development, tourism, and infrastructure improvements. However, it continues to face challenges related to ethnic reconciliation and political stability.

Recent Developments:

• Sri Lanka has navigated economic challenges, political changes, and the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to promote peace, unity, and sustainable development continue to shape the nation’s future.

Sri Lanka’s history is a tapestry of diverse influences and periods of both conflict and harmony, contributing to its rich cultural heritage and dynamic present.

Sri Lanka Colonial Era

The Portuguese Invasion

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to visit Sri Lanka in 1505. These Portuguese traders were the actual ones who found Sri Lanka during their trips to find spices like cinnamon. Later, they saw Sri Lanka as a land to be acquired in order to gain the upper hand in the world economy. Due to the invasion a lot of Sri Lankan’s were forced to convert to Christianity, this is the pivotal point where Christianity was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Most of the people hated the Portuguese invasion and hence during 1600’s the King Of Kandy appealed for help from The Dutch Captain Joris Van Spielbergian, little did they know that their plan to chase the Portuguese out was going to backfire.

The Dutch Colonization

After King Rajasinghe II made a treaty with the Dutch in order to get rid of the Portuguese whom the native’s seem to dislike their invasion. By 1660 the Dutch was controlling the entire island except the kingdom of Kandy. However the Dutch was trying the peoples patience more than the Portuguese did. A mixed Dutch-Singhalese people even survived to this day and are known as Burghers.

The British Rule

The Island was bought to the British attention after Robert Knox a fugitive from the Kingdom of Kandy wrote an account of Sri Lanka. Which in turn catalyzed another war for acquisition between them and the Dutch. The British ruled the country for a very long time and major changes were made in the country such as the first democratic elements were introduced to Sri Lanka. Even the hill countries were converted to produce tea , coffee and rubber at a large scale. By the mid 19th century Sri Lanka was the driving force behind the British economy. However the Singhalese were able to free themselves of the British by gaining Independence during 1948.

End of the Civil War

This was the most recent war ended in Sri Lanka, which started during the early 1980’s in order to have gain a greater autonomy for the Tamils in the country. All this started when the Tamil Tigers ambushed and killed 13 Singhalese. Things didn’t end there the Singhalese rioters retaliated by burning down shops and homes of Tamils. However the war never ended despite the numerous peace talks held by the government with the aid of the UN. Finally during April 2006 the Eelam war IV began and thus ending the 26 year by defeating the LTTE on May 2009.