Colombo history can be traced back to about 5th century B.C. The original inhabitants of Colombo were known as the Wanniyala-aetto or the Veddahs. Later Colombo became the capital of the kingdom of the Sinhalese. History of Colombo is very rich and it can be divided into different phases. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British ruled Colombo at different points of time.
Colombo initially flourished as a sea port in Sri Lanka. Trade relations with the western countries were established through this port. Many traders from Arabia established their settlements near the port area of Colombo in about 8th century A.D. During 10th century, Colombo was attacked by Malayans, Chinese, and people from southern parts of India.
Colombo Under Portuguese
The Portuguese came to Colombo during 15th century. Don Lourenco de Almeida was the first among the Portuguese explorers to reach Sri Lanka. They set up colonies in the coastal regions of Colombo city. They also established their supremacy in trade and commerce in Colombo. In 1517 a fort was constructed in Colombo.
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Colombo Under Dutch
The Portuguese in Colombo were overpowered by the Dutch in the 17th century. The Dutch administrators set up plantations of cinnamon in Colombo. The plantation area of cinnamon was known as the Cinnamon Gardens. The Dutch East India Company controlled the maritime activities in Sri Lanka with Colombo as its center.
Colombo Under British Rule
The British came to Colombo in Sri Lanka in 1796. The period of British rule is a significant phase of Colombo history. Gradually they extended their supremacy over other parts of Sri Lanka. Under the British power, coffee plantations and tea estates were set up. People from south Indian territories were brought to Colombo to work in these gardens. In 1815, the British took initiative to transform Colombo as the capital of Sri Lanka. In Colombo the British hegemony ended in 1948.
Colombo continues to function as the Sri Lankan capital even after the British left the country. Sinhalese is recognized as the official language of Sri Lanka.
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