Sri Lanka, a diverse island nation in South Asia, boasts a rich history that spans over 3,000 years. Home to a population of approximately 22 million, the country is characterized by a blend of cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The majority is formed by the Sinhalese people, while Sri Lankan Tamils constitute the largest minority concentrated in the northern region. The island's history unfolds through the influence of these groups, along with the Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and Vedda. With documented history dating back millennia, Sri Lanka's significance stems from its strategic location along ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road. Over the centuries, it faced colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, gaining independence in 1948 and becoming the Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972. The nation's recent history was marked by a 26-year civil war, concluding in 2009 with the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam by the Sri Lanka