As a historian with a focus on colonial history, I have a deep understanding of the various colonial powers that have had an impact on different regions of the world. When it comes to the island nation of Sri Lanka, its colonial past is quite intricate, involving multiple European powers over several centuries.

Step 1: English Answer

The colonization of Sri Lanka, known as "Ceylon" during British rule, was a complex process involving several European powers. The Portuguese were the first to establish a significant presence on the island in the early 16th century. They were attracted by the island's strategic location and its potential for trade, particularly in spices. The Portuguese sought to monopolize the spice trade and, in doing so, established a series of fortifications and settlements along the coast.

The Portuguese colonization was characterized by a combination of military conquest, religious conversion (with an emphasis on spreading Catholicism), and economic exploitation. They built forts in key locations such as Colombo, which became the administrative center of their territory in Ceylon.

In the late 16th century, the Dutch began to challenge Portuguese dominance in the region. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) was established in 1602, and it sought to establish trade routes and colonies in the East Indies. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had gained a foothold in Ceylon, and through a combination of diplomacy and military force, they gradually eroded Portuguese control. The Dutch period of rule, which lasted from 1658 to 1796, was marked by a continued focus on trade and the expansion of the cinnamon industry. They also sought to supplant Catholicism with Calvinism, although with less zeal than the Portuguese.

The British, however, were the next to take an interest in Ceylon. The British East India Company was active in the region and, following the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War, the Treaty of Westminster in 1674 allowed the British to establish a presence on the island. The British influence grew over the next century, and by the early 19th century, they were the dominant power. The Kandyan Convention of 1815 marked the formal end of Dutch rule, and the island became a British protectorate. The British Crown took direct control in 1815, and Ceylon was declared a British crown colony.

The British colonization brought significant changes to the island. The British sought to modernize the economy and infrastructure, building railways, roads, and telegraph lines. They also introduced coffee, rubber, and tea plantations, which had a profound impact on the local economy and society. The British rule also led to the unification of the island under a single administration for the first time in its history.

However, the British presence was not without resistance. There were several uprisings and revolts, most notably the Uva Rebellion in 1817-1818 and the Matara Rebellion in 1848. These were eventually suppressed, and British control was solidified.

The struggle for independence gained momentum in the early 20th century, with the rise of nationalist movements. The Donoughmore Commission in 1928 and the Soulbury Commission in 1944-45 led to constitutional reforms that gradually increased the level of self-governance. The country finally achieved full independence on February 4, 1948, and the name "Ceylon" was officially changed to "Sri Lanka" in 1972.

Step 2: Divider

read more >>

As a result of the war, the Dutch took control of the country, violating the treaty. The British took over the country and called it "Ceylon". Colonization came to an end when Sri Lanka became independent.Mar 21, 2018read more >>