Sri Lanka’s Past and Present: What You Need to Know

Summary of Episode 5:

I recently visited Sri Lanka, and what struck me the most—beyond the landscapes and food—was the complexity of its political and social history. It’s one of those places where every street corner feels like it holds a piece of the past.

After gaining independence from Britain in 1948, Sri Lanka faced rising tensions between its Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority. These divisions eventually led to a brutal civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009. The war left deep scars—thousands of lives lost, communities displaced, and lingering questions about justice and reconciliation.

Then in 2019, tragedy struck again with the Easter Sunday bombings. A series of coordinated attacks on churches and hotels killed over 250 people and shook the nation’s sense of security.

Today, Sri Lanka is also at the center of international attention, especially when it comes to China. Projects like the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port have brought in major investments—but also sparked concerns about rising debt and sovereignty.

In 2022, the country faced one of its worst economic crises ever, leading to protests that toppled the government. Through it all, Sri Lanka remains a fascinating example of how history, identity, and geopolitics intertwine.

We’ll return to our UN series next, but I wanted to take a moment to spotlight this powerful story.