Timeline of Sri Lanka

Chronology

21 events spanning the history of Sri Lanka. BCE/CE dating.

1. 161 BCE – 137

   The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

   The legendary King Duthagamani ruled Sri Lanka.

2. 993

   The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

   The south Indian Cola Empire captured Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).

3. 1505

   Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

   Portuguese arrive in Colombo, marking beginning of European interest.

4. 1658

   Dutch force out Portuguese.

   Dutch force out Portuguese and establish control over whole island except central kingdom of Kandy.

5. 1796

   Britain begins to take over island.

   Britain begins to take over island.

6. 1800 – 1900

   Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British.

   Tamil people of southern India were taken by the British to Ceylon to clear the jungles and work plantations.

7. 1931

   British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

   British grant the right to vote and introduce power sharing with Sinhalese-run cabinet.

8. 1948

   Ceylon gains full independence.

   Colonial rule ended and the island nation of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth.

9. 1956

   Solomon Bandaranaike elected on wave of Sinhalese nationalism.

   Solomon Bandaranaike elected on wave of Sinhalese nationalism. Sinhala made sole official language and other measures introduced to bolster Sinhalese and Buddhist feeling. More than 100 Tamils killed in widespread violence after Tamil parliamentarians protest at new laws.

10. 1972

    Ceylon changes its name to Sri Lanka.

    Ceylon changes its name to Sri Lanka and Buddhism given primary place as country’s religion, further antagonizing Tamil minority.