Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The island is inhabited by Veddahs (Wanniyala-aetto), a group of hunter-gatherers who anthropo-
logists believe were descendants of a society that existed on Sri Lanka since 32,000 BC.
6th century BC
Vijaya, a shamed North Indian prince, is cast adrift, but makes landfall on Sri Lanka's west coast.
He settles around Anuradhapura and establishes the island's first recorded kingdom.
4th century BC
India's first poet pens the Hindu epic theRamayana, in which the god Rama conquers Lanka and
its demon-god Rawana. The sandbars off Mannar Island are described as Rama's Bridge.
3rd century BC
Indian emperor Ashoka sends his son and daughter to spread the Buddha's teachings.
Anuradhapuran King Devanampiya Tissa accepts them, beginning Sri Lanka's ties between gov-
ernment and religion.
205-161 BC
Reign of Chola King Elara, described in the Mahavamsa as a just leader. Although Tamil and
Hindu, he offers alms to Buddhist monks and employs both Sinhalese and Tamils.
103-89 BC
Five Tamil kings from India invade Anuradhapura and rule for 14 years. King Valagamba is forced
to flee and shelters in the caves around Dambulla.
1st century BC
The Fourth Buddhist council is held in Aluvihara. The collection of the Buddha's teachings, previ-
ously preserved by oral tradition, is written down for the first time.
4th century AD
Buddhism is further popularised with the arrival in Anuradhapura of the sacred tooth relic of the
Buddha. It becomes a symbol of both religion and sovereignty over the island.
