Review by Choice Review
A renowned native scholar has presented readers with a concise, comprehensive, highly informative one-volume work encompassing Sri Lanka's history over some 2,500 years. The tiresome struggle for power in the past; the special role of Buddhism and Hinduism; the intricate system of irrigation vital to economic evolution; the effect of external influences, especially India, on historical development; and the establishment of colonial rule are all given their proper consideration. Much of the work is concerned with the British impact (largely positive) on Sri Lanka and developments since independence. The major problems today appear to be the growth of ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese and the minority Tamils, and that of economic growth and the redistribution of wealth in Sri Lankan society. A balanced and judicious work, sound in the interpretation though undocumented, this history is a worthy successor to K.M. deSilva's A History of Sri Lanka (Delhi, 1981). Especially recommended for general libraries with modest holdings on South Asia. More suitable for undergraduates than for specialists.-G.L. Montagno, Mount Union College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
