Ceylon year 1957 1sh – imperforated Used stamp

Ceylon year 1957 1sh – imperforated Used stamp

British Ceylon refers to the period of Ceylon’s history when it was a British colony, lasting from 1815 to 1948. Ceylon, known today as Sri Lanka, was initially a Dutch colony but came under British control in 1796 during the Napoleonic Wars. The British officially gained control of the entire island in 1815 after the capture of Kandy, the last independent kingdom in Ceylon.

During British rule, Ceylon underwent significant changes in its political, economic, and social structures. The British introduced modern infrastructure, such as railways, roads, and telecommunication systems, which facilitated trade and communication within the island and with other British colonies.

Economically, Ceylon became a significant producer of commodities such as tea, coffee, and rubber, which were exported to other parts of the British Empire. The plantation economy, particularly the tea industry, played a crucial role in shaping the island’s economy and society, leading to the influx of Tamil laborers from South India to work on the plantations.

Politically, the British established a colonial administration with a governor appointed by the British Crown, alongside local legislative and executive councils. While the British introduced some administrative reforms and invested in education and healthcare, they also faced resistance from the local population, particularly during the independence movement in the early 20th century.

The independence movement gained momentum following World War II, and Ceylon finally gained its independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. After independence, Ceylon became the Dominion of Ceylon and later changed its name to Sri Lanka in 1972 when it became a republic.