World War II

The Sri Lankans served a great purpose during WWII. A large number of British and American soldiers landed in Sri Lanka to battle against the Japanese. Sri Lanka was expected to gain independence from India, as the Indian army had established a Lankan Regiment to house the existing Sri Lankans. The plan which was to transport them from India to Sri Lanka by submarines was however, aborted.

Colonial era

British colonial Coat of arms of Ceylon

The British East India Company gained control over the island in 1976, declaring it its best colony in 1802. Sri Lanka was not related to the colony to begin with, however, after the fall of the Kingdom of Kandy, the island fell to the hands of the British.