Today in History: The British Invasion of Ceylon (1795-1796)

by Achala Gunasekara-Rockwell, PhD

The 1795 British invasion of Ceylon was a significant event in the history of Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon. This invasion marked the end of Dutch colonial rule in the island and the beginning of British administration, which would last for more than a century.

Background

The Dutch East India Company (VOC) had established its presence in Ceylon in the early seventeenth century, primarily for the purpose of controlling the lucrative cinnamon trade. The Dutch had consolidated their hold on the island by the mid-eighteenth century, controlling the major ports and fortifications. However, the British had been eyeing Ceylon as a potential colony for some time, and in 1795, they made their move.

Invasion

The British East India Company, under the command of Admiral Peter Rainier, arrived in Ceylon in February 1795 with a fleet of 14 ships and a force of 5,800 soldiers. The Dutch governor of Ceylon, Johan van Angelbeek, had little warning of the British invasion and was ill-prepared to defend the island.

The British began their invasion by capturing the port of Trincomalee on the east coast of the island. They then proceeded to take the Dutch forts of Batticaloa and Jaffna without much resistance. The Dutch governor, realizing that he was outnumbered and outgunned, surrendered on 15 February 1796, and Ceylon became a British colony.

Significance

The invasion of Ceylon was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked the end of Dutch colonial rule in the island, which had lasted for over 150 years. The Dutch had made significant contributions to the development of Ceylon, particularly in the areas of trade and agriculture. However, their rule was marked by exploitation and oppression, and the invasion of the British was a welcome relief for many of the island's inhabitants.

Secondly, the invasion of Ceylon was part of a larger global struggle between Britain and France for colonial supremacy. The French had established a foothold in neighboring India, and the British saw the capture of Ceylon as a way to prevent the French from gaining further influence in the region.

Finally, the invasion of Ceylon marked the beginning of a new era in the island's history. Under British rule, Ceylon underwent significant economic and social changes, including the development of a plantation economy and the introduction of Western education and culture. These changes would have a lasting impact on the island, shaping its development and identity for years to come.

Conclusion

The invasion of Ceylon was a significant event in the history of the island and the wider world. It marked the end of Dutch colonial rule and the beginning of British administration of the island, and it was part of a larger global struggle for colonial supremacy. The invasion had significant implications for the economic and social development of Ceylon, and its impact can still be felt today.

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