The history of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is rich and diverse, spanning over 2,500 years.

The
island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has witnessed the rise and fall of several kingdoms,
colonial rule, and the challenges of modern nation-building. Here is a broad overview of the history of Sri
Lanka:

Ancient Period:

Prehistoric Settlement: Evidence of human habitation in Sri Lanka dates back to at least 125,000 years
ago. The island was inhabited by indigenous peoples, and early settlements have been discovered in
sites such as Balangoda and Anuradhapura.

Early Kingdoms: Around the 6th century BCE, the island saw the rise of early kingdoms. The first
recorded kingdom was Anuradhapura, established by King Pandukabhaya. Anuradhapura became a
center of Buddhist culture and power.

Medieval Period:

Chola and Pandyan Invasions: From the 10th century onwards, South Indian kingdoms, particularly the
Chola and Pandyan empires, frequently invaded Sri Lanka, leading to periods of control and influence.

Polonnaruwa Kingdom: The Chola influence eventually declined, and Sri Lanka saw a revival of Sinhalese
power under the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (11th-13th century CE). It was known for its irrigation systems,
art, and the construction of religious monuments.

European Colonial Era:

Portuguese Arrival: In 1505, Portuguese traders arrived in Sri Lanka, seeking control over the lucrative
spice trade. They gradually established control over coastal areas and established the maritime provinces
of Jaffna, Colombo, and Galle.

Dutch Rule: The Dutch East India Company ousted the Portuguese in the 17th century, establishing a
period of Dutch rule. They expanded their control over the maritime regions and established cinnamon
plantations.

British Rule: The British Empire gained control over Sri Lanka in 1796. Initially, it was a Dutch colony, but
it became a British Crown Colony in 1802. The British introduced coffee and tea plantations,
infrastructure development, and modern administrative systems.

Independence and Modern Era:

Independence Movement: The early 20th century saw a growing nationalistic sentiment in Sri Lanka,
leading to a movement for independence from British rule. Leaders like D.S. Senanayake played a crucial
role in advocating for self-governance.

Independence and the Dominion of Ceylon: Sri Lanka gained independence on February 4, 1948. It
became the Dominion of Ceylon, with D.S. Senanayake serving as the first Prime Minister.

Republic of Sri Lanka: In 1972, Sri Lanka became a republic and changed its name from Ceylon to Sri
Lanka. The country faced significant challenges, including ethnic tensions between the majority
Sinhalese and the minority Tamil communities.

Sri Lankan Civil War: From 1983 to 2009, Sri Lanka experienced a brutal civil war between the
government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The conflict ended with the defeat of the
LTTE and the government's declaration of victory.

Post-Conflict Era:

Since the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has focused on reconciliation, reconstruction, and economic
development. Efforts have been made to address ethnic and religious tensions and promote peace and
stability.

The country has seen advancements in infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth. It has also faced
challenges such as natural disasters, political shifts, and human rights concerns.

Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant multicultural nation with a diverse heritage, rich cultural traditions, and a
growing economy. The