Sri Lanka is a multi racial country. Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Burgher, and Malay people live together in Sri Lanka. They speak different languages such as Sinhala, Tamil, English and Malay. They practice different religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Though they speak different languages and practice different religions, they all are SRI LANKANS. They all belong to one human family. Among them the majority are Sinhala Buddhists. Therefore Sri Lanka is known as a Buddhist country.
The ancient Sri Lanka then known as Ceylon was ruled by many kings from time to time. They carried on an absolute monarchy, meaning that the entire country was ruled by the word of the king. Dravidian, Solee, Kalinga, were the kings who ruled the country until the Portuguese invaded the coastel areas. The first portuguese man to set foot on Sri Lankan soil was Vasco Da Gama. he arrived with his crew by sea and anchored in Galle in 1505. The portuguese established friendly relations with the srilankan kings and founded a fort and trading post in colombo. However, the friendly relations did not last and there were many batlles fought. They exported spices to Europe. Subsequently the Dutch gained control from the Portuguese and engaged in Trade as well as spreading their religion in the country.
In 1815 AD the British captured the entire Island and ruled under the patronage of the Queen of England. In 1818 Keppitipola and Monarawila Dissawa, who were the leaders of the Uva Wellassa rebellion, fought hard for the freedom of our country. This rebellion was crushed by the British Governor Brownrigg. As a result this rebellion Keppitipola and Monarawila was beheaded by the British another rebellion took place in Kandy and the leaders were Puran Appu and Gongale Goda Banda. As a result of this rebellion they too were captured and shot by the British. Keppitipola, Monarawila, Puran Appu, and Gongale Goda Banda are known as the National Heroes.
The British made the following contribution.
Roads and Railways were established.
Schoold were established.
A University was established in Peradeniya.
Hospitals were set up.
Plantations such as Tea, Rubber, and Coconut were developed.
On the 4th February 1948 we gained independence fron the British rulers. D.S.Senanayaka of the United National Party (UNP) became the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
With the adoption of a new constitution on May 22nd 1972 the Island became a free sovereign nation and an independent republic known as Sri Lanka.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Pearl of Indian Ocean
Hi, All of you welcome to Sri Lanka. I have great pleasure in welcoming you to Sri Lanka and this site.
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