Trade and the Colonial Era of Sri Lanka

 The colonial period of Sri Lanka refers to the period when the island was under the control of various European powers including the Portuguese, Dutch and British from the 16th to the 20th century. During this period trade played an important role in shaping Sri Lanka's economy, society and culture.

Portuguese period (1505-1658):

The Portuguese are the first European power to arrive in Sri Lanka in 1505. They establish trade relationships with local kingdoms and take control of strategic coastal areas. The main purpose of Portuguese trade in Sri Lanka was to monopolize the lucrative Indian Ocean spice trade. They also traded in jewelry, cinnamon, elephants and other goods. The Portuguese used military force to control the local population, converting people to Christianity and levying taxes.

Dutch period (1658-1796):

The Dutch drove the Portuguese out of Sri Lanka in 1658 and took control of the island's coastal areas. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) played a dominant role in trade during this period. The Dutch mainly focused on commercial activities, especially the cinnamon trade, which was very lucrative. They established cinnamon plantations and enforced a monopoly on its production and export. The VOC also traded in other commodities such as gems, coffee, indigo, and textiles. The Dutch colonial administration introduced several reforms in governance and land administration.

British Era (1796-1948):

The British gained control of Sri Lanka from the Dutch in 1796. During their colonial rule, the British transformed Sri Lanka's economy to serve their imperial interests. They established vast coffee and tea plantations, introducing plantation agriculture on a large scale. The British also developed infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports to facilitate trade and transport of goods. Tea became the primary export crop, and Sri Lanka became one of the world's largest tea producers.

Under British rule, Sri Lanka was integrated into the global economy as a supplier of raw materials and a consumer of British manufactured goods. The British encouraged the growth of cash crops, leading to the expansion of industries such as rubber, coconut, and spices. Plantation farming was labor intensive and the British imported contract laborers from India, which significantly affected Sri Lanka's ethnic composition.

Trade was controlled during the colonial period by European powers who exploited Sri Lanka's resources for their own benefit. Local people faced many economic hardships and inequalities as colonial powers levied heavy taxes and benefited from trade. However, the introduction of new crops, infrastructure development and access to world trade have had a lasting impact on Sri Lanka's economy and society.

It should be noted that the colonial era had a profound impact on Sri Lanka's political landscape, cultural identity and ethnic relations. The legacy of colonialism continues to shape the country's social dynamics and economic structure to this day.