Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches and tea, but its history is full of amazing stories. From old kings to foreign rulers, this small island has seen a lot. Let’s explore the exciting journey of Sri Lanka’s past.
Hey there, Curious Explorers, if you’ve ever looked at Sri Lanka and thought, “what a beautiful island!” — well, wait till you hear Sri Lanka’s history. Definitely, Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, tea plantations, and elephants, but this little teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean has a history that’s anything but small.
For all history lovers booking their Sri Lanka Tour Packages, let’s dive deep into Sri Lanka’s history—from ancient kingdoms to colonial powers and finally, to the country we see today.
Sri Lanka’s history goes back over 2,500 years. According to ancient texts, the island’s first kingdom was founded by Prince Vijaya from India in the 6th century BCE. He and his followers landed on the shores of Sri Lanka and set up the first organized society.
The early kings ruled from Anuradhapura, which became the island’s first major capital. And yes, you can still visit its ancient ruins today, including giant stupas, beautiful carvings, and old reservoirs.
Later in Sri Lanka’s history, the kingdom moved to Polonnaruwa, where art and architecture reached new heights and advanced irrigation systems that were way ahead of their time.
One of the biggest milestones in Sri Lanka history was the arrival of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE. It was brought from India by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka. He converted King Devanampiya Tissa, and Buddhism became a major part of Sri Lankan culture — and still is today.
The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, said to be a cutting from the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment, was planted in Anuradhapura. It’s one of the oldest living trees in the world and a major pilgrimage site.
But it wasn’t always peaceful. Over the centuries, Sri Lanka faced many invasions, especially from South Indian dynasties like the Cholas. These invasions caused the capital to shift several times and brought cultural exchanges between the two regions.
Despite the conflicts, local kings played a huge role in unifying the island and restoring Sri Lanka history and greatness. They built massive lakes, temples, and palaces that you can still see remnants of today.
By the 16th century, Sri Lanka caught the attention of European traders. First came the Portuguese in 1505. They settled along the coasts and started converting locals to Christianity.
Then in the Sri Lanka history, the Dutch arrived in the 1600s and took control from the Portuguese. They left behind forts, canals, and trade systems—especially in areas like Galle, which still has a beautifully preserved Galle Dutch Fort.
Finally, the British took over in 1815 and made the whole island a colony. They introduced tea plantations, railways, English education, and modern administration. But they also brought harsh taxes and forced labor, which led to several uprisings.
After years of struggle and protests, the most awaited occasion in Sri Lanka history was its independence in 1948. At the time, it was known as Ceylon. Later, in 1972, the country officially became a republic and changed its name to Sri Lanka.
From 1983 to 2009, the island went through a civil war between the government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) who wanted a separate land for Tamils. It was a tough time, but after the war ended, the country began to rebuild and focus on growth, unity, and tourism.
Now, Sri Lanka is a peaceful country. You’ll see Buddhist monks walking past street cafes, colonial-era buildings next to tall buildings, and ancient temples coexisting with lively beach towns.
Its rich history is still very much alive in the ruins of Sigiriya, in the sacred city of Kandy, in the colonial lanes of Galle, and even in everyday customs, festivals, and food.
Now, when you walk the streets of Colombo or climb the stairs of an ancient rock fortress, you would know, that you’re experiencing Sri Lanka history and thousands of years of stories.
So next time you think of Sri Lanka, don’t just think of surf and sun. Think of kings, monks, warriors, and colonizers — and how this small island has lived through it all, and still stands proud. Because in the world of travel, the smallest countries often hold the biggest stories.
1. What is the history behind Sri Lanka?
A. Sri Lanka history dates back over 2,500 years, starting with ancient Sinhalese kingdoms, followed by the arrival of Buddhism, South Indian invasions, European colonial rule, and then independence in 1948. Its past is shaped by cultures and rulers.
2. When did Sri Lanka separate from India?
A. Sri Lanka was never officially part of independent India. It became a British colony separately in 1815 and gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948, as a separate nation named Ceylon, later renamed Sri Lanka.
3. What is the old name of Sri Lanka?
A. The old name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon, used during colonial times. Before that, it was known by various names like Lanka, Tambapanni, and Serendib. Then in 1972, it got named Sri Lanka.
4. Was Sri Lanka originally Tamil?
A. No, Sri Lanka was not originally Tamil. The island was first inhabited by the Sinhalese, followed by Tamil settlers from South India. Both communities have ancient roots, but the Sinhalese kingdom formed the early core of the island’s history.