Colonial Impact of British Administration in the District of Trincomalee

Abstract

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. The British Colonized the coastal provinces for around 152 years in Sri Lanka. Trincomalee was one part of the colonized Eastern Province during the period and it is the administrative headquarter and a major port city of Eastern Province. It is a picturesque city with a natural harbour, military stronghold, and historical landmark, located by hills and mountains on three sides, and the fourth is protected by a few islands. It was the main base and shore headquarters of the Eastern fleet of the British Royal Navy during the Second World War due to the natural harbour, which is accessible to all types of craft in all weather conditions. Therefore, it is significant to the political and socioeconomic spheres of Sri Lanka, because of its favorable geographical location which could be used for significant economic and military activities in the Eastern region. The great European powers vied for mastery of this harbour. The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English, each held this harbor one after the other and there had been many sea battles nearby to capture this port. The British had the most extended period of supreme administration among the Europeans in the Eastern province (1802-1948). They introduced major projects and enterprising activities for the modernization of Trincomalee due to the incredible success of their extraordinary accomplishments and achievements in administration. This research explores the significant development and changes among the communities of Trincomalee under the British administration and it also will be a reference for future research.

Keywords: British administration, colonialism, changes, natural harbour, Trincomalee