SRI LANKA CULTURE
HISTORY
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean boasting a rich recorded history that spans over 3,000 years and a prehistoric period dating back 125,000 years, with the possibility of going back to half a millennia. Its strategic location has made it a trade and cultural exchange hub, attracting settlers and even invaders from across Asia and the West.
Indo-Aryan Syncretism
The island's history is recorded in the 4 historical chronicles of Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Thupavamsa and Chulavamsa. Originally the island was home to native inhabitants and then Indo-Aryan migrants from the Indian subcontinent took up residence; this mixture created the modern Sinhalese population. Based on the language, culture, genetics, physical anthropology and the presence of Theravada Buddhism, the Sinhalese are acknowledged as a separate ethnic group from other groups in neighbouring south India.
Ancient Kingdoms
Sinhalese people established the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which became a major centre of Buddhism after Mahinda Thero introduced the religion in the 3rd century BCE. The Anuradhapura period is known for its grand stupas, monasteries and intricate irrigation systems. The rise of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom in the 11th century marked a shift in power, with impressive feats of architecture and governance. However, the island was frequently under threat from South Indian invaders, leading to a series of shifting capitals and declining central power. The series of capitals that followed the downfall of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom is a transitional period of Lankan history that led to the establishment of the Jaffna Kingdom and the Crisis of the Sixteenth Century with the Portuguese invasion. Consequently, the central kingdom moved from Dambadeniya, Gampola, Kotte and Sitawaka. The Kandyan Kingdom was a stronghold that played a major role in the country’s history, lasting long after the Portuguese and Dutch struggles.
Colonial Era
Sri Lanka's strategic position attracted European colonial powers, starting with the Portuguese in the early 16th century. They established control over coastal areas but faced resistance from the inland kingdoms. The Dutch replaced the Portuguese in the 17th century, but it was the British who eventually gained full control of the island in 1815 after the Kandyan convention where the chieftains of Kandy signed a treaty ceding the kingdom by betraying the king. Thus the country’s ruling centres were united under a single administration. Under British rule, Sri Lanka then known as Ceylon became a major producer of tea, rubber and coconut. These industries had a lasting effect and they still thrive today. However, colonial policies also sowed the seeds of ethnic tensions by favouring certain communities over others, particularly in terms of education and employment.
Independence and Civil Conflict
Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, but the post-colonial period was marred by ethnic strife between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. These tensions culminated in a brutal civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009, claiming thousands of lives and displacing many more. The war ended with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Since the civil war ended, Sri Lanka has prioritised peace, healing and reconciliation within communities.
Modern Sri Lanka
Today, Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with a growing economy. Tourism plays a significant role: the island's natural beauty, ancient ruins and cultural heritage attract visitors worldwide. While the country continues to grapple with its complex history, it remains a beacon of resilience and cultural richness.
