History & Politics

History & Politics

Early years: It seems that the first Sinhalese people arrived in Sri Lanka from North India around 5-6th centuries BC, gradually replacing the Veddha hunter-gatherers. The kingdom of Annuradhapura developed in the 4th century BC and remained the center of Sinhalese kingdoms for almost 1500 years when it was superceded by Polonnaruwa, further South East. The system of free labour for the King enabled the building of the vast tanks (lakes) and irrigation systems, still in use. In the middle years 1252-1400 Sri Lanka suffered attacks by China, Malaysia, and Sth India, until in 1505 the Portugese arrived to monopolise the spice and cinnamon trades. Kandy became the last Royal city of the Sinhalese in the 15th Century, whilst the Tamils migrating from Sth India established themselves on the Northern Jaffna Pa. Colonial Years: Kandy enlisted the help of the Dutch to oust the Portugese colonists but succeeded only in replacing one European power for another- for the next 150 years. They have left some stunning antique furniture in their wake. The fine harbour of Trincomalee attracted the British and in 1802 Ceylon became a Crown colony. The door was opened to British settlers who established coffee, then tea, rubber, and coconut plantations. This led to road and rail construction, administrative, educational and welfare development and the introduction of English as the official language. Independence: In 1948 Ceylon became an independent member of the British Commonwealth and in 1972 changed its name to Sri Lanka. Ethnic Conflict: The differences between the Tamils in the North and the Sinhalese have festered for 2000 years. This became serious fighting in the 1970’2 but with intervention from the Norwegian Peace Mission and threat of cuts to funding from America, peace was brockered in February 2002. The Sri Lankan government is now committed to reopen and redevelop the North/East which were previously out of bounds to tourists. Government: The country is divided into 9 provinces, united under a democratically elected President, Hon Mahinda Rajapakse of the Democratic Socialist Republic Party and recently elected Prime Minister, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, of UPFA (United Peoples Front Alliance)