History of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean, has a rich and diverse history that…
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia located in the Indian Ocean, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years.
Ancient Period
Early Inhabitants: The earliest evidence of human habitation in Sri Lanka dates back to around 125,000 years ago. The island’s first known inhabitants were the Veddas, an indigenous people.
Ancient Kingdoms: By the 6th century BCE, the island saw the emergence of early Sinhalese kingdoms. The city of Anuradhapura became the first capital and a major center of Theravada Buddhism after the introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka.
Classical Period
Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BCE – 1017 CE): Anuradhapura was a significant and long-lasting kingdom. It was characterized by the construction of stupas, monasteries, and irrigation systems. The kingdom faced periodic invasions from South India but managed to thrive as a center of Buddhist learning and culture.
Polonnaruwa Kingdom (1017 – 1236): After the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the capital. This period saw further development in architecture and irrigation, but the kingdom eventually declined due to internal strife and external invasions.
Medieval Period
Kotte and Kandy Kingdoms (13th – 19th Century): Following the decline of Polonnaruwa, power shifted to the Kotte Kingdom in the southwest and the Kandy Kingdom in the central highlands. Kandy remained independent for longer and became a symbol of resistance against European colonial powers.
Colonial Period
Portuguese Rule (1505-1658): The Portuguese arrived in 1505 and established control over coastal areas. They introduced Christianity and built fortifications, but their harsh rule led to resistance from local kingdoms, particularly Kandy.
Dutch Rule (1658-1796): The Dutch took over from the Portuguese in 1658. They controlled the coastal areas and engaged in trade, particularly in cinnamon. The Dutch also faced resistance from the inland Kandy Kingdom.
British Rule (1796-1948): The British took control of coastal areas from the Dutch in 1796 and eventually annexed the Kandy Kingdom in 1815, establishing complete control over the island, which they named Ceylon. The British introduced coffee and tea plantations, which became major exports. The construction of railways and roads facilitated the plantation economy.
Independence and Modern Era
Independence (1948): Ceylon gained independence from Britain on February 4, 1948. The country maintained a parliamentary system and became a republic in 1972, adopting the name Sri Lanka.
Ethnic Conflict and Civil War (1983-2009): Ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority escalated into a full-scale civil war in 1983. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fought for an independent Tamil state in the north and east. The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The conflict ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE by government forces.
Post-War Reconstruction and Development: Since the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has focused on rebuilding and reconciliation. Economic development has been a priority, with investments in infrastructure and tourism. However, challenges remain, including human rights issues, political instability, and the need for lasting peace and reconciliation.
Recent Developments
Political Landscape: The political landscape has been marked by changes in leadership and governance challenges. In recent years, the country has experienced significant political turmoil, including constitutional crises and public protests.
Economic Challenges: Sri Lanka faces ongoing economic challenges, including debt, inflation, and economic inequality. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained the economy, impacting tourism and trade.
Easter Bombings (2019): On April 21, 2019, a series of coordinated terrorist bombings targeted churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, resulting in significant loss of life and raising concerns about religious and ethnic tensions.
Cultural Heritage
Diverse Influences: Sri Lanka’s culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The country is known for its rich heritage in art, music, dance, and cuisine.
Buddhist Heritage: Buddhism plays a central role in Sri Lankan culture, with numerous ancient temples, stupas, and monastic sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Sacred City of Kandy and the ancient city of Sigiriya.
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