Sri Lanka, is an island country situated between the Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar and Indian Ocean about 20 miles south east of of India. Ceylon is thought to have been initially populated by people migrating from Northern India.
The first Sinhalese arrived in Ceylon late in the 6th century B.C. probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced about the mid-third century B.C.E. and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Ceylon. The coastal areas of the island were controlled by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
Dutch India Company
Parts of Ceylon were colonized by Portugal in 1505 when the Portuguese took possession (the country's name until 1972 when it was changed to Sri Lanka). The Dutch India Company took control in 1658 before the control of the entire country was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. Then the British took over in 1796 and Ceylon became an English Crown colony in 1802. The British developed coffee, tea, and rubber plantations and Ceylon grew famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber.
February 4, 1893, Colonies and India
London, United Kingdom
An Elephant Kraal in Ceylon.—When the last mail left Ceylon great preparations were being made by Delwala Ratemahatmeya of Kukul Korle, and Rambukpota President, for an elephant kraal in the Kukul Korle, and that wild and isolated Korale was undergoing transformation into a temporary town, in which buildings sprung up like magic, the outcome of a liberal outlay of money. (Above: Ceylon Envelope 4 cents from 1871-1877.)
Delwela Ratemahatmeya started a kraal last year, which proved an utter failure, owing to want of provisions for the persons engaged in the operations. Keeping this fact in remembrance, Delwela Ratemahatmeya this year solicited the aid of Rambukpota President, who with his usual liberality responded to the appeal made to him, and undertook to co-operate. As Rambukpota President was not able to proceed to the scene of the kraal himself, owing to official duties, he sent Wannaku Mohatai to look after things. After the completion of the necessary preparations, Iddamalgodda Kumarihamy intended proceeding to the kraal attended by a crowd of attendants.
March 31, 1894, Colonies and India
London, United Kingdom
Not long ago an incident occurred which reflected anything but credit on the Ceylon tea industry, viz., the condemnation of a consignment of Ceylon tea at Melbourne as being unfit for human food. A repetition of this is now reported, Ceylon tea being again refused entrance through the Customs of one of the southern capitals, on exactly similar grounds.
March 16, 1895, Colonies and India
London, United Kingdom
The Grand Duke and Duchess of Mecklenherg have lately been touring in Ceylon, and have apparently been much interested in that picturesque country. They went up the other day from Colombo to Anuradhapura, where they stopped for some little time, visiting the ruins of the ancient cities. Then they returned to Kandy, and visited Bandarawella, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya, and subsequently Ratnapura, where they went to see the actual working of the gem pits. From Ratnapura they went down by boat to Kalutara. The Duke of Mecklenberg is about to build a new palace in his Duchy, and while he was at Kandy he asked Sir Arthur Havelock whether he could have some samples of Ceylon woods. The Governor turned him over to the Forest Department, and he was soon supplied with a large selection of the most suitable woods for building and furnishing purposes.
January 29, 1896, Echo
London, United Kingdom
DUMBULA VALLEY (CEYLON) TEA COMPANY (LIMITED).
This company has been formed mainly with the object of tea acquiring, working, and developing tea estates in Ceylon. The directors have arranged for the purchase of six estates, comprising a total area of 2,091 acres, of which 1,835 acres are under tea, 130 acres are available for planting with tea, and the remainder is forest jungle and grassland. The capital is £200,000 in shares of £5 each, and the present issue consists of £150,000 in 10,000 Six per Cent. Cumulative Preference and 20,000 Ordinary Shares. Of this issue 1,000 Preference and 5,200 Ordinary Shares arc to be allotted in part payment of the purchase-money (£145,200), the remainder being offered for subscription at par.
