Old Ceylon
Sri Lanka’s history is intertwined with the history of the larger Indian subcontinent and the surrounding regions, which include South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean.
Early human remains discovered on the island of Sri Lanka date back approximately 38,000 years (Balangoda Man).
According to Pali chronicles such as the Mahavansa, Deepavansa, and Choolavansa, the historical period begins around the third century. They recount the events that occurred following the arrival of Prince Vijaya from Northern India. These chronicles contain the earliest documentation of settlement on the Island. These chronicles span the period beginning with the establishment of the Kingdom of Tambapanni in the 6th century BCE by the Sinhalese’s earliest ancestors. Pandukabhaya, the first Sri Lankan ruler of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, is recorded in the 4th century BCE. Arhath Mahinda introduced Buddhism in the third century BCE (son of the Indian emperor Ashoka).
Over the following centuries, the island was divided into numerous kingdoms, which were intermittently united under Chola rule (between CE 993 and 1077). From Anuradhapura to Kandy, Sri Lanka was ruled by 181 monarchs. Some coastal areas of the country were also controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British beginning in the 16th century. Between 1597 and 1658, a large portion of the island was under Portuguese control. Due to Dutch intervention in the Eighty Years’ War, the Portuguese lost their possessions in Ceylon. In 1815, the island was united under British rule following the Kandyan Wars. The 1818 Uva Rebellion and the 1848 Matale Rebellion were both armed uprisings against the British. Although the country gained independence in 1948, it remained a Dominion of the British Empire until 1972.
Sri Lanka gained the status of Republic in 1972. In 1978, a constitution was drafted that made the Executive President the head of state. The Sri Lankan Civil War began in 1983, with insurgencies in 1971 and 1987, and lasted 25 years, ending in 2009.
Voyage of King Vijaya
Sinhalese migrate to ceylon from India, legend has it that it was settled by a man named Vijaya
Introduction of Buddhism
Buddism is introduced thanks to mahinda. it quickly becomes an essential part of Sinhalese Culture.
United Ceylon
Dutthagamani unites Ceylon's various states into one kingdom. Erects elaborate palaces and temples as ruler.
Ceylon Prospers
Ceylon prospers as a kingdom thanks to trading deals with India, China, Persia and Ethiopia
First Reservoirs Built
King Mahasena orders a complex system of reservoirs and canals to be constructed in order to assist with the success of rice crops.
Chola Invasion
India Invades Ceylon. Invasions continue throughout the next five centuries.
Chola Rule
The Cholas first captured northern Sri Lanka, then 24 years later, souther Sri Lanka. Just 13 years later, though, they withdrew due to persistent Sinhalese resistance.
Reuniting Sri Lanka
Parakramabahu the great becomes king of Dakkinadesa, eventually reuniting a fractured Ceylon into one nation again.
Ceylon's Power Declines
The tamils settle in Northern Ceylon. At the same time, ceylon's power declines and irrigation systems fall into disrepair.
Arrival of the Portuguese
The Portuguese arrive in search of Cinnamon. Ceylon is divided into three sections by the time, in the north lived the tamils, in the southwest (Kotte) lived the Sinhalese, and in the eastern center (Kandy) lived more residents.
Portuguese Establishment
The Portuguese declared war on the locals, then won resulting in not on unlimited cinnamon at a cheap price but power over several towns. Eventually the Portuguese ruled Kotte and Portuguese Catholic missionaries established a wise presence there. The Portuguese try to conquer kandy in 1594, 1603 and 1629, but are unsuccessful.
Arrival of the Dutch
The Dutch arrive after being solicited for aid by King Rajasinha of Kandy. The portuguese attempt to stop the Dutch occupation but fail. During this time, the Dutch capture many ports, but rather than give them to kandy, they claimed it as payment.
Dutch Establishment
Just twenty years after arriving, the Dutch extend their rule in Ceylon, having claimed ports of Colombo and Jaffna. The Portugues rule officially concludes near 112 years later (1760), Kandy's independence is also taken through battle by the Dutch.
Arrival of the Great Britain
The British annexed Colombo and Jaffna, and with that came the end of the Dutch rule. Less than 20 years later (1815), the British also managed to conquer Kandy, thanks to the large part of unpopularity of the local Cruel King.
Introduction of the Ceylon Tea
The British experiment with coffee as a crop, but in 1870's the crops were devastated by the fungus hemileia vastatrix. After this, coffee crops were replaced with Tea crops. Rubber and coconut also became important crops at this time.
Bringing back Buddhism & Hinduism
Buddhism and Hinduism once again became a central part of Ceylon life.
Forming of the Ceylon National Congress
The Ceylon national congress was formed after several decades of nationalism growing.
Independence to Sri Lanka
Just one year after India gained independence, Ceylon is granted independence from the British.
Religious Tensions
Tension begins to grow between the Sinhalese and the Tamils. The official language is declared to be Sinhalese and Tamil workers are deported.
Ceylon becoming Sri Lanka
Ceylon gains a new constitution declaring Buddhism to have the "foremost place" among the country's religions. Additionally, the name of the country is changed from Ceylon to Sri Lanka.
Civil War Breaks Out
Civil war breaks out between the Sinhalese and the Tamils after Tamil separatists killed 13 Sinhalese soldiers. Riots ensued in which hundreds died. The war would continue for decades.
End of the Civil War
After decades of fighting and several attempts at peace, the civil war finally ends; the Tamil Tigers are defeated by the Sri Lankan government.
