Sri Lanka, the paradise isle, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, was known by several names in the past such as Sinhale, Serendib, Taprobane, Zeylan and Ceylon. In 1972, with the promulgation of a republican constitution, the original name was resumed with ‘Sri’ in front and the island was since then known as Sri Lanka. Taking a look at its history, it is very clear that it has experienced three phases of foreign rule by the western powers whereby they established their authority by means of wars etc. Prior to them, the island faced many an invasion from the South Indian kings who were driven away by our brave royalty.
Western rule
Rich natural resources and the strategic location reflecting the geographical position of the island was the main attraction of the western powers. For the Portuguese and the Dutch, it was spices and Christians while naval supremacy was the main aim of the British. All three powers grabbing everything they could reach held sway over the Maritime Provinces except for the British who later ruled the whole island till it finally gained Independence in 1948. The Portuguese who landed first (1505) was followed by the Dutch (1640) and then the British (1796).
The key to Portuguese survival in dominating the affairs of Lanka was its naval power, which enabled the establishment of the centres in the border cities of the Maritime Provinces which they fortified later. But soon the Dutch, more methodical, were able to take their position after driving away the Portuguese. From 1650 the English East India Company was sailing into the Trincomalee harbour for small scale trading which the Kandyan rulers encouraged expecting that they could be persuaded to expel the Dutch in the same way the Portuguese had been driven. The British with their naval supremacy occupied the Dutch territories and the Dutch possessions in Lanka were finally ceded to the British and Lanka became a crown colony in 1802 with the appointment of Sir Fredrick North as the first governor.
Conquest of Kandy
His failure to conquer the Kandyan kingdom, the last bastion of independence, led his successor, Sir Thomas Maitland stabilize their powers in the Maritime Provinces before such a conquest was attempted. This wise act of his paved the way for the acquisition of the Kandyan kingdom by Sir Robert Brownrigg. Further, the disputed succession to the Kandyan throne following the death of the king Rajadhirajasinghe provided him with the opportunity. This was possible due to the support they received from some misguided Kandyan Chiefs (Adigars). Due to the prevalent disunity, Lanka fell a victim to imperialism. The Kandyan kingdom was owned by the British under the Kandyan convention on March 2, 1815. The opposition continued. There were a few rebellions against the British rule. The most formidable was the 1818 Uva- Wellassa struggle led by Keppitipola Monarawila and the other in 1848 by Puranappu and Gongalegoda Banda. Then Ceylon continued to be a British colony until 1948. Our ancient historic pride and heritage coming down from Venerable Mahinda Thera times was in danger and it is no surprise that this paved the way for the rise of strong nationalism among all the inhabitants in then Ceylon.
Struggle for Freedom
Strongly influenced by the Western culture and politics that colonised us, our patriots were determined to march forward to override the British rule. In addition, the emergence of the politically conscious educated middle class was yet another incentive. The national heroes desperate for freedom gathered together to achieve the common goal of fostering Parliamentary institution and strengthening the foundations of nationhood. No doubt grave sacrifices were made by our galaxy of leaders and patriots with a dedication to realising the dream of Independence. Seventy-one years ago, on this day of Independence, Lanka was blessed with this immortal gift. Sir Henry Monk Mason Moore took oaths as the first Governor General. DS Senanayake, the leader of the State Council, was appointed the first Prime Minister of independent Lanka. He was succeeded by a number of Prime Ministers who contributed immensely to the welfare of the country. Sri Lanka declared itself a Republican State in 1972 and on February 4, 1978, adopted the Presidential system under which the then Prime Minister, JR Jayewardene, assumed office as the first Executive President of independent Sri Lanka.
Here’s wishing the island nation many more years of success.
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