Historical Events tagged with "colombo"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

M. Alalasundaram and V. Dharmalingam Shot Dead

September 2nd, 1985 39 years ago

M. Alalasundaram and V. Dharmalingam, prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politicians, were assassinated in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They were known for their active roles in advocating for Tamil rights during the escalating conflict in the region. Their murders were part of an ongoing violence that marked the early years of the Sri Lankan Civil War, reflecting the deep-seated tensions between the Tamil minority and the Sinhalese majority. This incident triggered further unrest and drew attention to the volatile political climate.

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Crime & Law

Massacre of Tamil Political Prisoners

July 27th, 1983 41 years ago

Eighteen Tamil political prisoners were killed by Sinhalese prisoners at the Welikada high-security prison in Colombo. This massacre was part of a violent crackdown during a period of ethnic tension in Sri Lanka, which was exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict. The attack occurred just two days after an earlier massacre, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and the climate of fear within the prison system. The event underscored the precarious situation for Tamils in the country amid escalating violence.

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Military & Warfare

Beginning of the Black July Anti-Tamil Riots

July 24th, 1983 41 years ago

The Black July riots erupted in Sri Lanka as a violent response to the killing of 13 Sri Lankan soldiers in an ambush by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Jaffna. Leading to widespread anti-Tamil violence across the island, the riots saw Sinhala mobs attack Tamil homes and businesses, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the displacement of thousands of Tamils. The death toll estimates range from 400 to 3,000 individuals, marking a significant escalation in ethnic tensions as the civil conflict intensified.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Douglas DC-8 Crash Near Colombo, Sri Lanka

November 15th, 1978 46 years ago

A chartered Douglas DC-8 aircraft crashed near Colombo, Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of 183 lives. The flight was carrying passengers and crew when it experienced a critical failure. The tragedy highlighted issues in aviation safety and regulations within the region. Investigations sought to determine the specific cause and improve future aircraft operations.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Sri Lankan Prime Minister

September 25th, 1959 65 years ago

Solomon Bandaranaike, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, was attacked and mortally wounded by a Buddhist monk, Talduwe Somarama, during a public event. This shocking act was the result of rising tensions between differing religious groups in the country. Bandaranaike, who had implemented a series of policies favoring Buddhism, was a polarizing figure. After the attack, he suffered for a day before succumbing to his injuries.

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Politics & Government

Ceylon Achieves Independence from Britain

February 4th, 1948 77 years ago

Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, declared its independence from British rule. The independence ceremony took place in Colombo, featuring notable leaders, including D.S. Senanayake, who became the first Prime Minister. This shift was part of a broader wave of decolonization across Asia following World War II. The new nation joined the British Commonwealth, marking an important transition in governance and national identity.

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Military & Warfare

Japanese Air Attack on Colombo Harbor

April 5th, 1942 82 years ago

The Imperial Japanese Navy launched a significant carrier-based air attack on Colombo, Ceylon, targeting both port and civilian facilities. During this assault, the Royal Navy's cruisers HMS Cornwall and HMS Dorsetshire were sunk, marking a crucial moment in the Indian Ocean raid. This event demonstrated the expanding reach and capabilities of the Japanese naval forces in World War II, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by Allied positions in the region.

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Crime & Law

Execution of Henry Pedris in Ceylon

July 7th, 1915 109 years ago

Henry Pedris, a Colombo Town Guard officer, was executed after being accused of inciting violence against Muslims during a period of communal unrest in British Ceylon. The tensions in the region had escalated due to the political climate and World War I impacting local sentiments. The military government saw Pedris as a threat to peace and ordered his execution, marking a significant point in Ceylon's colonial history.

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Military & Warfare

British Capture of Colombo Completes Invasion

February 16th, 1796 229 years ago

Colombo, a significant port city in Ceylon, fell to British forces after a well-planned military campaign. The capture followed a series of battles and strategic maneuvers that marked the British invasion of the island. The forces, under the command of Major-General John H. Nott, effectively faced the reigning Dutch defenders, resulting in the British establishing control over the city. This military action was part of a larger design to secure British interests in the Indian Ocean and to counter Dutch influence in the region.

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