History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an independent nation-state occupying a compact island and several small adjacent islands. It has an area of 25,332 square miles (65,610 square kilometers), is located between latitudes 5°55' and 9°51' N and longitudes 79°41' and 81°53' E, and has a maximum length of 268 miles (432 kilometers) and a maximum width of 139 miles (224 kilometers). Proximity to the Indian subcontinent has facilitated close cultural interaction between Sri Lanka and India from ancient times. At a crossroads of maritime routes traversing the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has also been exposed to cultural influences from other Asian civilizations. Ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane. Arabs referred to it as Serendib. Later European mapmakers called it Ceylon, a name still used occasionally for trade purposes. It officially became Sri Lanka in 1972.
The distinctive civilization of Sri Lanka, with roots that can be traced back to the 6th century BC, is characterized by two factors: the preservation of Theravada Buddhism and the development in the drier parts of the country over two millennium of a sophisticated system of irrigation. This civilization was further enriched by the influences of Hinduism and Islam. 
In 1948, after nearly 150 years of British rule, Sri Lanka became an independent country, and it was admitted to the United Nations seven years later. The country is a member of the Commonwealth and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Colombo, which emerged as the main urban centre during British rule, remains the capital of Sri Lanka. For administrative purposes, the country has been divided into nine provinces and subdivided into 25 districts.
A physical environment of wide ranging diversity makes Sri Lanka one of the world's most scenic countries. As the home of several ethnic groups, each with its own cultural heritage, Sri Lanka also has a highly varied cultural landscape.
 
 

Sri Lanka Facts at a Glance

Sri Lanka History

Sri Lanka is an ancient land with highly developed prehistoric human settlements. Recorded history begins from about the 4th century BC when people settled down in Anuradhapura. The King of Anuradhapura embraced Buddhism in 427 BC. Invasions from South India continued and in the 11th Century AD, after repeated threats from South India, the Sinhalese Kingdom moved its capital to Polonnaruwa and then southwards. This resulted in the abandonment of the highly developed tank (reservoir) irrigated rice cultivation system, which the Sinhalese had developed and resulted in the decline of the Sri Lankan agrarian Economy. The remains of the civilization from 500 BC to 1300 AD are the spirit and inspiration of the people of Sri Lanka.
In 1505 the Portuguese captured the coastal belt and ruled it until the Dutch ousted them in 1658. The British displaced the Dutch in 1796. The British captured the Kandyan Kingdom in the Central Hills and brought the entire country under their rule in 1815 and unified the administration in 1833. Legilative Council was established in the same year to administer the country. The Governor presided at the Legilative Council meetings and the key officials of the Government were appointed members. Unofficial members representing the different communities were also appointed. But they enjoyed no power. The first phase of Sri Lanka's independence struggle was to pressurize the British to increase the number of unofficial members and to give them power. Then they asked for elected representation and finally for independence. Sri Lanka attained independence on 4th February 1948. Sri Lanka became a Republic on 22nd May 1972.
 

Sri Lanka Anthem

Sri Lanka Matha, apa Sri Lanka, 
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha. 
Sundara siri barini, 
Surndi athi Sobamana Lanka 
Dhanya dhanaya neka mal pala thuru piri, jaya bhoomiya ramya. 
Apa hata spa siri setha sadana, jee vanaye Matha! 
Piliganu mana apa bhakti pooja, 
Namo Namo Matha. 
Apa Sri Lanka, 
Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha, 
apa Sri Lanka, Namo Namo Namo Namo Matha. 
Obave apa vidya obamaya apa sathya obave apa shakti
apa hada thula bhakti oba apa aloke 
apage anuprane oba apa jeevana ve 
apa muktiya obave 
Nava jeevana demine nithina apa 
Pubudu karan matha 
Gnana veerya vadavamina ragena yanu 
mana jaya bhoomi kara 
Eka mavekuge daru kala bavina 
yamu yamu wee nopama 
Prema vadamu sama bheda durara da Namo Namo Matha 

Mother Lanka we worship Thee! 
Plenteous in prosperity, Thou, 
Beauteous in grace and love, 
Laden with corn and luscious fruit 
And fragrant flowers of radiant hue, 
Giver of life and all good things, 
Our land of joy and victory, 
Receive our grateful praise sublime, 
Lanka! we worship Thee. 

Thou gravest us Knowledge and Truth, 
Thou art our strength and inward faith, 
Our light divine and sentient being, 
Breath of life and liberation. 
Grant us, bondage free, inspiration. 
Inspire us for ever. 
In wisdom and strength renewed, 
Ill-will, hatred, strife all ended, 
In love enfolded, a mighty nation 
Marching onward, all as one, 

GOVERNMENT
OF
SRI LANKA
 
 
 
 
 
 

COLOMBO SKYLINE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

KANDY AT NIGHT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PRESIDENT
HON. MRS.
CHANDRIKA
BANDARANAYAKE
KUMARANATHUNGE

BANDARANAYAKE
KUMARATHUNGA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

THE
PARLIAMENTARY
COMPLEX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

KANDY DANCE
DANCER