A Journey Toward Freedom

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. However, like many countries in Asia, its path to independence was long and challenging. The struggle for independence was not a single event but a gradual process shaped by centuries of foreign rule, resistance movements, national awakening, and the efforts of dedicated leaders. From the arrival of European colonizers to the eventual achievement of freedom in 1948, Sri Lanka’s independence journey is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and the desire for self-determination.

The Colonial Era: Portuguese, Dutch, and British Rule

Sri Lanka’s encounter with European powers began in the 16th century. Before colonization, the island was divided into several kingdoms, such as Kandy, Kotte, and Jaffna, each with its own rulers and cultural traditions.

Portuguese Rule (1505–1658)

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Sri Lanka in 1505. They initially came for trade, particularly in spices like cinnamon, but soon established military strongholds. They took control of coastal regions and influenced the island’s religion and culture by spreading Roman Catholicism. However, their rule faced fierce resistance from local kings, especially from the inland Kingdom of Kandy.

Dutch Rule (1658–1796)

In 1658, the Dutch ousted the Portuguese with the help of the Kandyan kingdom. However, the Dutch soon took control of the same coastal areas and established the Dutch East India Company as the ruling body. Although the Dutch introduced Roman-Dutch law and improved agriculture and trade, they too exploited the island’s resources for their benefit. The Kandyans continued to resist foreign rule and maintained a degree of independence in the highlands.

British Rule (1796–1948)

In 1796, the British replaced the Dutch, taking advantage of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. By 1815, they had annexed the Kingdom of Kandy through the Kandyan Convention, becoming the first power to control the entire island. This marked the beginning of British colonial rule, which would last for over 130 years.

The British introduced many changes, including modern roads, railways, plantation agriculture, and a Western-style education system. However, these developments often favored British economic interests. Sri Lanka became a major exporter of tea, rubber, and coconut, but much of the wealth benefited British companies and planters, not the local population.

Early Resistance and National Awakening

Though colonial rule brought modernization, it also gave rise to growing resentment among Sri Lankans, especially due to economic exploitation, cultural erosion, and religious discrimination.

Uva Rebellion (1818) and Matale Rebellion (1848)

Two of the earliest signs of anti-British resistance were the Uva Rebellion in 1818 and the Matale Rebellion in 1848. Both were led by Kandyan chiefs and peasants angered by oppressive taxes and the loss of sovereignty. Although these rebellions were brutally crushed by the British, they became symbols of the early independence movement.

Buddhist Revival and Cultural Reawakening

In the late 19th century, the British-encouraged spread of Christianity and Western education led to the decline of traditional Buddhist institutions. In response, leaders like Anagarika Dharmapala spearheaded a Buddhist revival, promoting religious and cultural pride among the Sinhalese majority. Dharmapala established the Maha Bodhi Society, which worked to restore Buddhist heritage and resist cultural colonization.

Other religious communities, such as Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, also began to organize and protect their own identities, forming the basis for future political participation.

The Rise of Nationalist Movements

By the early 20th century, a new class of Western-educated elites began to demand greater political representation and rights. Inspired by India’s freedom movement and liberal ideas from Europe, Sri Lankans started to organize into political and civic groups.

The Ceylon National Congress (CNC)

In 1919, the Ceylon National Congress (CNC) was formed, becoming the first major political party to campaign for constitutional reforms. Leaders like Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam, Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, and later D.S. Senanayake, F.R. Senanayake, and E.W. Perera were key figures in the movement.

Initially, the CNC sought gradual reforms and worked closely with the British colonial government. However, as time passed, more radical voices began to emerge demanding full independence.

Reforms and Limited Self-Rule

The British responded to growing demands by introducing limited reforms:

• The Donoughmore Constitution (1931) introduced universal adult franchise, making Sri Lanka one of the first Asian countries to grant voting rights to all adults, regardless of gender or ethnicity.
• The State Council was created, giving Ceylonese some control over local administration, though key powers remained with the British governor.

These changes were significant but still fell short of full independence. Nationalist leaders continued to push for greater autonomy.

World War II and Political Momentum

World War II (1939–1945) marked a turning point in the independence struggle. Although Sri Lanka remained loyal to the British war effort, the global context began to shift:

• The British Empire was weakened by the war and facing pressure to decolonize.
• India’s independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, had gained momentum and influenced neighboring countries.
• Sri Lankan leaders used this opportunity to push for self-rule, arguing that a country that contributed to the war deserved its freedom.

During the war, Ceylon also experienced the Japanese bombing of Colombo and Trincomalee in 1942, which exposed its vulnerability and fueled nationalist sentiment.

Path to Independence

After the war, British policy turned towards granting independence to its colonies. Ceylon’s peaceful political movement and stable society made it a prime candidate.

The Soulbury Commission

In 1944, the Soulbury Commission was established to recommend a new constitution. The Commission’s recommendations led to the creation of a bicameral parliament and a Westminster-style system of government.

D.S. Senanayake: Father of the Nation

Don Stephen (D.S.) Senanayake, the leader of the United National Party (UNP), played a pivotal role in negotiating with the British. He emphasized a peaceful transition, multi-ethnic unity, and economic development.

On February 4, 1948, Ceylon officially gained independence from British rule. D.S. Senanayake became the first Prime Minister of independent Ceylon. The country chose to remain a Dominion of the British Commonwealth, recognizing the British monarch as a symbolic head of state but maintaining full internal self-government.

Post-Independence Challenges

Although independence was achieved peacefully, Sri Lanka faced several challenges in the years that followed:

Ethnic Tensions

The colonial “divide and rule” policy had created divisions among ethnic communities—primarily between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. Disagreements over language policies, education, and representation began to surface, which would later escalate into a civil conflict.

Economic and Social Issues

The economy was still heavily dependent on plantations and exports, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. Leaders had to focus on diversifying the economy, improving education, and reducing poverty.

Republican Status

In 1972, Sri Lanka adopted a new constitution and declared itself a Republic, changing its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka and removing the British monarch as head of state.

Legacy of the Independence Movement

The independence movement left a lasting legacy on Sri Lanka’s political and cultural landscape. It was a struggle rooted in non-violence, negotiation, and national unity. The contributions of Buddhist monks, Tamil scholars, Muslim leaders, and Christian intellectuals all played a role in shaping a diverse yet united nation.

Some key takeaways from Sri Lanka’s independence struggle include:

• The importance of cultural identity in resisting foreign domination.
• The role of education and media in spreading nationalist ideas.
• The value of peaceful political negotiation in achieving independence without war.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s journey to independence was marked by centuries of colonial rule, brave resistance, cultural revival, and political wisdom. From the brave Kandyan warriors who fought foreign invaders to the statesmen who negotiated with the British, the people of Sri Lanka showed great resilience and determination.

Independence was not simply the end of colonial rule—it was the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s history. It provided the foundation for building a democratic society and the opportunity for every citizen to shape the nation’s future. Though challenges remain, the spirit of the independence struggle continues to inspire future generations to work toward a just, united, and prosperous Sri Lanka.