Here is a brief history of British colonization in Sri Lanka:
- In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and established a coastal colony.
- In the 17th century, the Dutch expelled the Portuguese and took control of the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
- In the late 18th century, the British began to expand their influence in Sri Lanka, and by 1815 they had control of the entire island.
- Sri Lanka became a British crown colony in 1815 and remained so until 1948, when it gained independence.
During the British colonial period, Sri Lanka experienced a number of changes, including the introduction of Western-style education, the development of a plantation economy, and the growth of a nationalist movement.