Political History of Sri Lanka
The political history of Sri Lanka is rich and complex, marked by various dynasties, colonial rule, and internal conflicts. Here is a brief overview of the political history of Sri Lanka: 1. Ancient Period: Sri Lanka's history dates back to ancient times, with the establishment of several kingdoms. The first known civilization was the Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BC to 1017 AD), followed by the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (1017 AD to 1236 AD). These kingdoms flourished under Buddhist influence and left behind impressive architectural and cultural legacies, including the construction of massive dagobas (stupas) and intricate irrigation systems. 2. Colonial Era: In the 16th century, European colonial powers began to arrive in Sri Lanka. The Portuguese were the first to establish control in 1505, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The Dutch East India Company controlled the coastal areas, while the interior remained under the Kingdom of Kandy. In 1...