History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was originally known as Simhala or Heladwipa, the name Ceylon is also widely recognized. From the 6th century Indo Aryan people moved to this island from India. The Dravidians tried to have a strong influence on the destiny of the country. However, this was not without any protest from the Sinhalese. Three centuries later the local people adopted Buddhism, which stimulated social divisions. In 1505 the Portuguese took possession of Ceylon until the Dutch India Company usurped control. Later Ceylon became an English Crown colony. The British developed coffee, tea, and rubber plantations. The name Ceylon was changed to Sri Lanka (“resplendent island”) on May 22, 1972. It should be said that situation in the country is not stable. From time to time extremists have attacked the civilians. In 2004 the country was also devastated by the tsunami, which killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans. From the other hand tourism is a healing force in this hard-hit country, and visitors are guaranteed a hospitable welcome.