Sri Lanka: Bulletpoint History For Travellers

1. Intro – The Pearl Of The Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” boasts a rich tapestry of history that spans over 2,500 years. This island nation has witnessed the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms, colonial conquests, and a journey to modernity.

2. Ancient Kingdoms:

• Prehistoric Era:
  • Evidence of prehistoric human settlements dating back to at least 125,000 years.
  • The Balangoda Man is one of the earliest known inhabitants.
    
• Anuradhapura Period (377 BC – 1017 AD):
  • Established by King Pandukabhaya.
  • Introduction of Buddhism in 247 BC by Arahath Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India.
  • Construction of monumental stupas like Ruwanwelisaya.
    
• Polonnaruwa Period (1056–1232 AD):
  • Rise of King Vijayabahu I who defeated Chola invaders.
  • Golden age under King Parakramabahu I with extensive construction and irrigation projects.

3. Colonial Era:

• Portuguese Rule (1505–1658):
  • Arrival of Portuguese explorer Lourenço de Almeida.
  • Introduction of Roman Catholicism.
    
• Dutch Period (1658–1796):
  • Dutch East India Company takes control, pushing out the Portuguese.
  • Introduction of Roman-Dutch law, some of which remain in effect today.
    
• British Rule (1796–1948):
  • British Empire took over in 1796.
  • Introduction of tea, coffee, and rubber plantations.
  • Uprisings like the 1818 Uva Rebellion were suppressed.
  • Achieved self-rule in 1947 and full independence as Ceylon in 1948.
    

4. Post-Colonial Era:

• Ceylon to Sri Lanka:
  • The name changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
  • Adoption of a new constitution, and Sri Lanka became a republic.
    
• Civil Conflict (1983–2009):
  • Ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils escalated into a civil war.
  • The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) sought an independent Tamil state.
  • The conflict ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE.
    

5. Modern Sri Lanka:

• Post-war Era:
  • Focus on reconciliation, redevelopment, and economic growth.
  • Rapid growth in tourism with attractions like Sigiriya, Kandy, and the coastal beaches.
    
• 21st Century Challenges:
  • 2004: Devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami.
  • 2019: Easter Sunday bombings targeting churches and hotels.
    

6. Summary:

Sri Lanka’s history is a blend of indigenous cultures, colonial influences, and modern challenges.

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Sri Lanka – Facts & Figures in Brief:

• Official name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Form of government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
• Capital: Colombo (administrative), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative)
• Population: 22,409,381 (2023 est.)
• Land Area: 65th largest country in the World.
• Urban Population: Approximately 18% of the population lives in urban areas.
• Religions: Buddhism is the major religion, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
• Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
• Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
• GDP (as of 2021): Approximately $84 billion
• Area: 25,332 square miles (65,610 square kilometers)
• Major mountain ranges: Central Highlands
• Highest Peak: Pidurutalagala, at 2,524 meters.
• Major rivers: Mahaweli, Kelani, Aruvi Aru
• Longest river: Mahaweli Ganga.
• Nearest neighbours: India (northwest), Maldives (southwest)
• Geographic features: Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, just off the southeastern coast of India.
• Climate: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two main monsoon seasons.
• Economy: Sri Lanka’s economy is based on agriculture (notably tea, rubber, and coconuts), textiles, and tourism.
• Major Companies: Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lankan Airlines, Ceylon Tea Services.
• Culture: Sri Lankan culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and colonial influences. Notable aspects include traditional Kandyan dance, Ayurveda, and the celebration of Poya days.
• Annual Tourists (pre-COVID-19): Over 2 million international visitors in 2019.
• Cuisine: Known for rice and curry, hoppers, kottu, and coconut milk-based dishes.
• National Flower: Lotus
• National Sport: Cricket
• History: Sri Lanka has a rich history that dates back over 2,500 years, marked by the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms, colonial conquests, and its journey to modernity.

Here are 3 important facts about Sri Lanka:

1. Biodiversity hotspot: Sri Lanka is recognized as one of 34 world biodiversity hotspots, boasting a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a vast array of bird species.
2. Tea production: Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is one of the world’s leading producers of tea. Ceylon Tea is renowned globally for its rich taste and high quality.
3. Cultural heritage: The country has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, and the old town of Galle and its fortifications.

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