A Brief History of Ceylon: From Prehistoric Times to Modern Sri Lanka
Ceylon's human history dates back as far as 125,000 years, with archaeological evidence discovered in sites such as Pahiyangala, Batadombalena, and Belilena. These caves reveal the presence of prehistoric humans known as the Balangoda Manawaya, who are considered the ancestors of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda people.
These early inhabitants lived during the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and early Iron Age, using tools, cultivating plants, and creating early forms of art and culture that laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.
Ancient Ceylon: The Rise of Sinhala Civilization
The documented history of Ceylon begins around 543 BCE with the arrival of Prince Vijaya from India. At the time, the island was inhabited by the Yaksha, Naga, and Deva tribes. Although Indian cultural influences were already present, Prince Vijaya’s arrival marked the beginning of the Sinhala race and a structured kingdom in Thambapanni.
Legend tells of Kuveni, a Yaksha princess, who helped Vijaya conquer the land, only to be later betrayed—a story that still echoes in Sri Lankan folklore.
Key milestones:
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380 BCE: King Pandukabhaya, Vijaya’s descendant, establishes the city of Anuradhapura as the first major kingdom.
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250 BCE: Buddhism is introduced during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, following a mission by Emperor Ashoka of India.
Sri Lanka’s ancient history also includes invasions by South Indian kingdoms like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras, but notable kings like Dutugemunu emerged to defend and unify the island.
🏯 Medieval Sri Lanka: Kingdoms Across the Island
Following the fall of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka saw the rise and fall of several kingdoms:
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Polonnaruwa
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Dambadeniya
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Yapahuwa
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Kurunegala
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Gampola
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Kotte
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Seethawaka
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Kandy (the last independent kingdom)
These periods saw advancements in irrigation, art, architecture, and literature—highlighting a deeply spiritual and resilient civilization.
⚔️ Early Modern Ceylon: Colonial Struggles
In 1505, the Portuguese arrived, followed by the Dutch in 1638, and finally the British in 1796. The Kingdom of Kandy, ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, remained independent until 1815, when it fell to the British during the Second Kandyan War.
Sri Lanka lost its sovereignty, and the British transformed its political and economic structures. Several uprisings occurred—most notably the Uva Rebellion (1818) and Matale Rebellion (1848)—but were brutally suppressed.
Contemporary Sri Lanka: A Nation Reborn
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1948: Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gained independence from British rule.
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1972: Ceylon becomes the Republic of Sri Lanka.
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1978: A new constitution is introduced, establishing the Executive Presidency and ushering in a free market economy under President J.R. Jayewardene.
Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant democracy with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, carrying forward a legacy that began over 3,000 years ago.
✍️ Final Thoughts
From the Balangoda Man to the modern republic, Sri Lanka’s history is one of resilience, cultural fusion, and transformation. By remembering our roots, we continue to shape our future—rich with tradition and open to the world.
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