3^rd Century

Buddhism introduced in Sri Lanka.

6^thCentury

The Singhalese came to Sri Lanka, probably from North India.

14^th Century

The Tamils came from South India to Sri Lanka and established a Tamil kingdom in the North and East of Sri Lanka.

16^th Century

The Portuguese occupied Sri Lanka.

17^th Century

The Dutch drove away the Portuguese and took over the power.

1796

The British drove away the Dutch and took over the power.

1802

De British changed Sri Lanka into a crown colony.

1815

Sri Lanka part of British government.

1948

Sri Lanka (called Ceylon) becomes independent.

1972

Name change: Ceylon became Sri Lanka.
Sri = Beautiful     Lanka = Wonderful Country

1982

Tensions between the Singhalese majority and the Tamil minority resulted in a civil war. A hundred thousand died in this civil war.

2002

After two decennia of civil war there is a cease fire. Norway act as a mediator in the negotiations.