Social Impacts of Colonialism in Sri Lanka

Abstract

It is rather difficult for any external force to make a significant impact on any domestic social system. The evolution of Sri Lanka’s social system took place for over two and a half millennia. The change brought to the island by the western powers, who were equipped with guns and steel, was a significant turning point in our social fabric. Western countries were drawn to Ceylon largely due to its strategic location and trade. Sri Lanka is connected with trade routes between the East and the West and consists of natural ports, especially Trincomalee, which has become important for the security of the region. Sri Lanka has comprised of numerous bays that anchorages roadsteads provided adequate shelter for sailing ships. The three major western colonial powers; Portuguese (1505–1658), Dutch (1658– 1796), and British (1796– 1948) had significant impacts on every part of Ceylon including economy, society, politics, and other sectors. During the British era, trade-based agriculture, such as tea, coffee, coconut, cocoa, and rubber plantations, shifted the economy in a different direction. Furthermore, the political constitutional reforms, as well as the religious establishments have resulted in significant changes in then Ceylon. This paper addresses the social consequences of colonial rule.