Kandy

On February 16, 1796, the British forces occupied Colombo after defeating the Dutch. This event marked the beginning of significant British influence in Sri Lanka, leading eventually to the control over Kandy. The strategic control of Colombo was part of British colonial expansion in the region. This laid the groundwork for subsequent British campaigns against the autonomous Kingdom of Kandy, which was initially resistant to foreign control.

The First Kandyan War began on March 10, 1802, between the British and the Kingdom of Kandy. Tensions had been escalating due to territorial and trade disputes. The British, having established control over the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, sought to extend their influence inland. The war lasted until 1803, culminating in the eventual fall of Kandy in the Second Kandyan War. This conflict was an early attempt by the British to control the entire island.

The Kingdom of Kandy, the last independent monarchy in Sri Lanka, fell to the British on 22 March 1803. After a series of conflicts and uprisings, the British managed to annex the kingdom into their Ceylon colony, ending centuries of indigenous rule. This marked the complete colonization of the entire island by the British Empire. The event was pivotal in the history of Sri Lanka as it led to direct British rule.

On March 2, 1815, the Kandyan Convention was signed between the British and the Kandyan chiefs. This treaty effectively ceded the Kingdom of Kandy to British rule. It marked the official surrender and capitulation of the kingdom and was instrumental in establishing British control over the entire island of Sri Lanka. The treaty ensured that the laws, customs, and religion of the people would be respected, but in practice, it led to significant changes.

Kandy was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 1944. This designation was due to its significance as a cultural and religious landmark. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. The recognition by UNESCO highlighted Kandy's importance in preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism. It remains a focal point for both Sri Lankans and international visitors interested in the country's rich history.

On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gained its independence from British rule. Kandy, as a historic cultural center, played a significant role in the national awakening. Independence came peacefully, marking the end of approximately 450 years of colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. This event was commemorated with celebrations across the nation, including Kandy, where traditional customs and the Buddhist cultural heritage were highlighted.

On April 5, 1971, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), an armed Marxist insurrection group, began its uprising in Sri Lanka with incidents occurring in several parts of the country, including Kandy. The insurrection was rooted in growing discontent over economic inequalities and lack of political representation. Although eventually crushed by the government, the events of the uprising highlighted underlying socio-economic issues. This had significant implications for political discourse in Sri Lanka.

On May 25, 1996, Kandy was officially recognized as part of the Historic Triangle of Sri Lanka, along with Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. This recognition was due to its historical significance, cultural heritage, and the presence of sacred Buddhist sites. The designation aimed to promote tourism and conservation of these important areas, enhancing their cultural visibility and economic opportunities for local communities relying on heritage tourism.

On January 28, 1998, the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy was bombed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during the Sri Lankan Civil War. This attack was targeted at one of Sri Lanka's most revered religious sites. It caused significant damage to the temple, killing 17 and injuring over 25 people. The bombing was widely condemned and prompted a strong military response. It emphasized the vulnerability of cultural sites during conflicts.

On February 22, 2002, the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE signed a ceasefire agreement intended to end decades of civil war. Though not specific to Kandy, this agreement had profound implications throughout Sri Lanka, including Kandy, by paving the way for peace talks and a reduction in hostilities, allowing the region to focus on rebuilding and recovery. The agreement was facilitated by Norway and was a critical step towards eventual reconciliation, despite later breakdowns.