Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, boasts a rich history that stretches back over 125,000 years, beginning with prehistoric human settlements. The island’s recorded history starts around 543 BCE with the arrival of Prince Vijaya from North India, marking the foundation of the Sinhalese people. Over the millennia, Sri Lanka saw the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, experienced periods of colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and underwent significant social and economic transformations. Post-independence, the country navigated ethnic tensions, civil unrest, and a protracted civil war, emerging into a period of rebuilding and development. Today, Sri Lanka continues to grapple with its complex past while striving for a stable future.
Timeline of History of Sri Lanka
Prehistoric and Early History
- 125,000 BCE: Evidence of the earliest human settlement, Balangoda Man, who lived in caves and practised rudimentary agriculture.
- 15,000 BCE: Early evidence of agriculture, with oats and barley found on the Horton Plains.
- 1000-800 BCE: Establishment of the protohistoric Early Iron Age, with cultural ties to South India.
Ancient Kingdoms
- 543 BCE: Arrival of Prince Vijaya from North India, traditionally considered the founder of the Sinhalese people.
- 377 BCE: Founding of the Anuradhapura Kingdom by Pandukabhaya, marking the start of recorded history.
- 3rd century BCE: Introduction of Buddhism by Mahinda, son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, significantly shaping Sri Lankan culture.
- 377 BCE – 1017 CE: Anuradhapura Kingdom flourishes, followed by invasions from the South Indian Chola Empire.
Medieval Period
- 1017-1070: Chola ruled over much of Sri Lanka.
- 1070-1232: Polonnaruwa Kingdom emerges post-Chola, a period of significant architectural and agricultural development.
- 1215-1624: Various smaller kingdoms, including Jaffna, Dambadeniya, Gampola, and Kotte, vie for power, leading to fragmentation.
Colonial Era
- 1505: Portuguese arrive, establishing control over coastal areas by 1597.
- 1658: Dutch oust the Portuguese and control the coastal regions until the British take over in 1796.
- 1815: British annexe the Kingdom of Kandy, completing their control over the entire island.
Modern Era
- 1815-1948: British colonial rule, during which significant economic and social changes occur, including the introduction of plantations and Western education.
- 1818: Uva Rebellion, an early anti-colonial uprising.
- 1848: Matale Rebellion, another significant uprising against British rule.
- 1948: Sri Lanka gains independence as the Dominion of Ceylon, remaining a part of the British Commonwealth.
Post-Independence
- 1956: The Sinhala Only Act passed, creating ethnic tensions.
- 1971: First JVP insurrection, a leftist rebellion.
- 1972: Ceylon becomes the Republic of Sri Lanka.
- 1978: The new constitution introduces the executive presidency.
- 1983-2009: Sri Lankan Civil War between the government and the LTTE, ending with the defeat of the LTTE in 2009.
- 1987-1990: Second JVP insurrection.
- 2004: Indian Ocean tsunami devastates coastal areas.
- 2022-2023: Economic crisis leads to widespread protests and political instability, resulting in the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Recent Developments
- 2024: Ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and rebuild post-crisis.
From ancient civilizations that contributed to Sri Lanka’s cultural and architectural legacy to the impact of colonialism and the struggle for independence, the island has continuously evolved. The post-independence era brought both challenges and growth, marked by ethnic conflicts, economic upheavals, and significant political changes. As Sri Lanka moves forward, it remains influenced by its diverse historical experiences, shaping its path toward future stability and prosperity.
