The Gentiles, A History of Sri Lanka 1498-1833

There are many markers to suggest that the impact of Portuguese and Dutch rule on the society of Sri Lanka remains very deep. However, systematic studies of the impact are rare. The purpose of this book is to show the effect of this rule in a number of related fields: the development of social institutions, the transformation of religious practices, the establishment of an educational system and the evolution of language.

The plural society we see in Sri Lanka today came about due to the occupation and settlement of the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and other Europeans. Between 1505 and 1832, the population of the island evolved through the intermixing of people from European countries who had entered and settled there. The consequence of such an evolution over a period of three hundred years has resulted not only in much variation in appearance and skin colour, but also in the language, religion and culture of those now living in Sri Lanka.

This book goes against all norms of traditional teachings and beliefs. History that took centuries in the making was crystallized in a few lesser-known and obscure journals and archives. Many of these archives have been ignored by previous studies. The author, a native of Sri Lanka, has assimilated a comprehensive bibliography of the literature and presents her findings to the reader. Her analysis and narrative give an insightful look at the era of Portuguese, Dutch and early British rule in Sri Lanka. The book, while controversial - perhaps even provocative at times - gives stimulus for future research in this area.