The first Europeans to visit Sri Lanka in modern times were the Portuguese: Francisco de Almeida arrived in 1505, finding the island divided into seven warring kingdoms and unable to fend off intruders. The Portuguese founded a fort at the port city of Colombo in 1517 and gradually extended their control over the coastal areas. In 1592 the Sinhalese moved their capital to the inland city of Kandy, a location more secure against attack from invaders. Intermittent warfare continued through the 16th century.
Many lowland Sinhalese were forced to convert to Christianity while the coastal Moors were religiously persecuted and forced to retreat to the Central highlands. The Buddhist majority disliked Portuguese occupation and its influences and welcomed any power who might rescue them. In 1602, therefore, when the Dutch captain Joris Spilberg landed, the king at Kandy appealed to him for help.
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Visitors Most Rated Property of the Sri Lanka ..
The most picturesque in the world. Soft sound of waves lapping in to the beach, endless strip of white sandy beaches.
Sri Lanka's famous historical sites have become the staple of many a travel programme - Sigiriya.
The Sri Lankan highlands enhance the country's richly-varied landscape. Only a few hours from the coast, here is a land of rushing waterfalls.