Dutch Colonization (1658 AD
- 1796 AD)
Portuguese rule was at its worst
characterized by greed, cruelty, and intolerance. Dutch arrival in
Sri Lanka was a result of attempts by the Kandy king to seek for
help in expelling the Portuguese from the island. However, the
consequence came out was only the substitution of one colonial
power to another. By 1658 Dutch took the control over the costal
areas of the island, however, after continual attacks Dutch also
unsuccessfully occupied the central highlands areas of Kandy. The
Dutch were much more interested in trade and profits than the
Portuguese, who were more focused on spreading their religion and
extending physical control, the island was then turned into a
stopping point in their trading routes with the Far East, China,
India and Japan. |
