The history of Sri Lanka is unique because its relevance and richness extend beyond the areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. The early human remains which were found on the island of Sri Lanka date back to about 38,000 years ago.
Pandyan Kingdom coin depicting a temple between hill symbols and elephant, Pandyas, Sri Lanka, 1st century CE.
Sri Lankan imitations of 4th-century Roman coins, 4th to 8th centuries.
Ambassador from Sri Lanka (獅子國 Shiziguo) to China (Liang dynasty), Wanghuitu (王会图), circa 650 CE
A Portuguese (later Dutch) fort in Batticaloa, Eastern Province built in the 16th century.
Prince Vijaya was a legendary king of Tambapanni, based in modern day Sri Lanka. His reign was first mentioned in Mahāvaṃsa. He is said to have came to Sri Lanka with a seven hundred followers after being banished from Sinhapura. However, there is no archaeological evidence of this.
Coronation of Prince Vijaya; detail from the Ajanta Caves mural of Cave 17
A section of the mural from Ajanta Cave 17 depicts the "coming of Sinhala". Prince Vijaya is seen in both groups of elephants and riders.
Tambapaṇṇī, where Prince Vijaya arrived