The history of Sri Lanka’s east coast is deeply intertwined with the island’s rich and complex past, marked by colonisation, trade, and civil war. The island’s history dates back over 2000 years, and the east coast was a strategic hub for maritime trade, attracting merchants from as far as China, India, Persia, and Europe. The region’s coastal cities, Trincomalee and Batticaloa, served as vital ports along the ancient silk route, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Throughout history, the east coast witnessed the rise and fall of various ancient kingdoms, as well as periods of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Each of these influences left a lasting imprint on the region’s architecture, language, religion, and customs. Despite its tumultuous past, Sri Lanka’s east coast stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of its people.