Sri Lanka: History

European interest begins when Portuguese arrive in Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka.

Dutch force out the Portuguese and establish control over the island except for the central kingdom of Kandy. 

After the British begin to take over the island in 1796, the whole island is reunited under a British administration.

Ceylon, present day Sri Lanka, gains independence from Britain.

Ceylon changes its name to Sri Lanka.

Start of Civil War.

More than 30,000 people are killed when a tsunami devastated coastal communities. 

An emergency loan, worth $1.9 billion, from the International Monetary Fund is rejected by the government due to the conditions attached. 

LTTE defeated, ending 26 year long civil war.

Protesters force President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out of office during an economic crisis.