The administrative activities in Sri Lanka during the period of portuguese and dutch – A study

The relationships of two strong marine kingdoms of Portugal and Dutch were seen in Sri Lanka for more than four Centuries in Sri Lanka (1505–1796). The fall of Constantinople in the later part of 15^th Century, obstacles in the spices trade, the renaissance of science, were the reasons for the arrival of the Portuguese and Dutch. The above said European maintained the relationship with Sri Lanka for the purpose of trade. But later they engaged in local politics. Sri Lanka had lost its independence and autonomy at first to the Portuguese and later to the Dutch from the beginning of 16^th Century. They used the politics to fulfill the propagating of religion and extend the trade. This was the cause for their administration in Sri Lanka.

The main purposes of this research is to compare the administrative activities of Portuguese and Dutch, their Characteristics, similarities and dissimilarities among them. This research is mostly done on the basis of the historical approach. I have used the primary sources for this article. They are the Portuguese and Dutch documents, archaeological and other historical materials. I have also utilized as secondary sources, the journal, magazines and internet based on primary sources.