Sri Lanka, a diverse island nation in South Asia, boasts a rich history that spans over 3,000 years. Home to a population of approximately 22 million, the country is characterized by a blend of cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The majority is formed by the Sinhalese people, while Sri Lankan Tamils constitute the largest minority concentrated in the northern region. The island's history unfolds through the influence of these groups, along with the Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and Vedda.
With documented history dating back millennia, Sri Lanka's significance stems from its strategic location along ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. Over the centuries, it faced colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, gaining independence in 1948 and becoming the Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972.
The nation's recent history was marked by a 26-year civil war, concluding in 2009 with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam by the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. Despite being a developing country, Sri Lanka ranked 73rd on the Human Development Index, holding the second-highest per capita income in South Asia. However, an ongoing economic crisis has led to currency collapse, inflation, and a humanitarian crisis.
Sri Lanka has been known by various names in antiquity, such as Tambapaṇṇĩ and Lankā. The island's history also includes references in Hindu mythology, Ancient Greek geographies, and Persian-Arabic accounts. The name Ceylon, given by the Portuguese in 1505, persisted through British colonial rule until the country gained independence.
In terms of governance, Sri Lanka transitioned from the Dominion of Ceylon to the Democratic Socialist Republic in 1978. The nation actively engages with international groups, being a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, SAARC, G77, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Historical periods like the Kandyan period and encounters with European powers like the Portuguese and Dutch are pivotal in Sri Lanka's early modern history. The Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent monarchy, held out against European colonization until the 17th century.
The late 20th century witnessed ethnic tensions and the rise of militancy, leading to a prolonged civil war. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord in 1987 and subsequent events shaped the country's political landscape. The 2004 Asian tsunami and the eventual defeat of the LTTE in 2009 marked critical points in Sri Lanka's recent history.
In the 21st century, Sri Lanka faced challenges such as the 2019 Easter bombings and an economic crisis starting in 2019, culminating in widespread protests and the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022. Ranil Wickremesinghe took office as the President, implementing economic reforms to stabilize the nation.
As Sri Lanka navigates its complex history and contemporary challenges, the resilience of its people and the pursuit of stability and development shape its trajectory on the global stage.