The British Conquest of Sri Lanka: Infrastructure and Social Change in Colonial Sri Lanka

Unveiling Sri Lanka's Colonial Legacy: A Journey Through British Rule (1795-1948)

This comprehensive series delves into the fascinating yet complex history of Sri Lanka under British rule, spanning from the late 18th century to its independence in 1948. Explore the dramatic events that unfolded, from the initial conquest to the rise of a powerful plantation economy and the subsequent struggles for self-determination.

Chapter 1: Setting the Stage - Embark on a historical voyage, understanding Sri Lanka's rich pre-colonial past and the arrival of European powers vying for control of the strategically located island nation.

Chapter 2: The Foot in the Door (1795-1802) - Witness the power struggles of the European colonial era as the British strategically maneuver to gain a foothold in Sri Lanka, capitalizing on European turmoil.

Chapter 3: Kandyan Resistance and Consolidation (1802-1818) - Dive deeper into the valiant resistance of the Kandyan kingdom against British domination and the eventual unification of Sri Lanka under British rule.

Chapter 4: Establishing the Colonial System (1818-1848) - Uncover the transformation of Sri Lanka into a British Crown Colony, analyzing the administrative structures, legal reforms, and their impact on the island's social and economic fabric.

Chapter 5: The Rise of the Plantation Economy (1848-1886) - Explore the dramatic shift towards a plantation-based economy, focusing on the rise and fall of coffee and the introduction of Tamil migrant labor, a defining feature of Sri Lanka's demographics.

Chapter 6: Infrastructure Development and Social Change (1848-1900) - Examine the development of transportation networks, the introduction of a Western education system, and the social transformations that reshaped Sri Lankan society.

Chapter 7: The Coffee Crisis and the Shift to Tea (1886-1914) - Learn about the devastating coffee leaf rust and the subsequent rise of tea as the dominant cash crop, analyzing its impact on Sri Lanka's economy and social landscape.

Chapter 8: Self-Governance Movements and World War I (1900-1918) - Witness the rise of self-governance movements like those led by Anagarika Dharmapala and the Ceylon National Congress, alongside the impact of World War I on Sri Lanka.

Chapter 9: Constitutional Developments and the Interwar Period (1919-1939) - Explore the introduction of the Donoughmore Constitution, granting limited self-government, the rise of new political parties, and the social and economic realities of the interwar period.

Chapter 10: World War II and the Road to Independence (1939-1948) - Delve into the final chapter of British rule, analyzing the impact of World War II and the growing nationalist movement that ultimately led to Sri Lanka's independence in 1948.

Uncover the hidden stories, political battles, and social transformations that shaped Sri Lanka during this critical period. This series provides valuable insights for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history, colonialism, and the enduring legacy of the British Raj.