History Of Srilanka

Explore the Fascinating History of Sri Lanka

From ancient kingdoms and colonial rule to independence, discover the captivating story of Sri Lanka.

A Legacy of Culture and Heritage

Sri Lanka is more than just breathtaking landscapes—it is a land with a deep and diverse history. From the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to colonial influences and its journey to independence, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage spans thousands of years. Dive into the timeline below to uncover the key events that shaped this island nation.

Era 1: Ancient Beginnings (c. 543 BCE - 1153 CE)

c. 543 BCE: Arrival of Prince Vijaya from India, marking the legendary founding of Sri Lanka’s first Sinhalese kingdom.
377 BCE: Establishment of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, the first major civilization in Sri Lanka.
247 BCE: Introduction of Buddhism by Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, shaping Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious identity.
c. 300-993 CE: Flourishing of Sinhalese civilization, with the rise of major irrigation systems and Buddhist monasteries.
993 CE: Chola invasion from South India, leading to the decline of Anuradhapura and the rise of Polonnaruwa as the capital.
1153 CE: King Parakramabahu I unifies Sri Lanka, ushering in a golden age of prosperity and architectural achievements.

Era 2: Medieval Shifts (1153 - 1505 CE)

1215: Kalinga Magha, an invader from India, takes control of Polonnaruwa, causing Sinhalese rulers to retreat to the south.
1255: Establishment of the Dambadeniya Kingdom as Sinhalese power shifts inland.
1411: Chinese Admiral Zheng He arrives in Sri Lanka, marking brief Chinese influence.
1477: Rise of the Kingdom of Kotte, which becomes a dominant power in the region.
1505: Portuguese arrive in Sri Lanka and establish trade relations, marking the beginning of European influence.

Era 3: Colonial Dominance (1505 - 1948 CE)

1518: The Portuguese establish a fort in Colombo and begin controlling coastal areas.
1597: The Kingdom of Kotte falls under Portuguese rule, expanding European dominance.
1638: The Dutch arrive, allying with the Kandyan Kingdom to expel the Portuguese.
1658: The Dutch take full control of Sri Lanka’s coastal regions, replacing the Portuguese.
1796: The British seize control from the Dutch and establish a colonial government.
1815: The Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent Sinhalese kingdom, falls to the British.
1833: The British unify Sri Lanka administratively under a single government.
1919: The Ceylon National Congress is formed, marking the beginning of the independence movement.
1948: Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gains independence from Britain.

Era 4: Post-Independence and Modern Era (1948 - Present)

1956: S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike becomes Prime Minister, emphasizing Sinhala nationalism.
1972: Sri Lanka officially becomes a republic, changing its name from Ceylon.
1983: The Sri Lankan Civil War begins between the government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).
2004: The Indian Ocean tsunami devastates Sri Lanka, causing massive loss of life and damage.
2009: The Civil War ends after 26 years, with the government defeating the LTTE.
2019: Easter Sunday bombings shake the nation, impacting tourism and security.
Present: Sri Lanka continues its path of economic recovery, tourism growth, and political stability.

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Explore the Fascinating History of Sri Lanka

From ancient kingdoms and colonial rule to independence, discover the captivating story of Sri Lanka.

A Legacy of Culture and Heritage

History of Srilanka

Era 1: Ancient Beginnings (c. 543 BCE - 1153 CE)

Era 2: Medieval Shifts (1153 - 1505 CE)

Era 3: Colonial Dominance (1505 - 1948 CE)

Era 4: Post-Independence and Modern Era (1948 - Present)

Ready to Explore the Srilanka?

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