Who owned Ceylon before the British took control?

The correct response is that the Dutch owned Ceylon before the British took control. In the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company formed a significant colonial presence in Ceylon, capitalizing on the island's strategic location and valuable resources, particularly cinnamon. The Dutch were primarily focused on trade and export, establishing coastal settlements and fortifications to maintain their interests against competitors, particularly the Portuguese and later the British.

This historical context is essential for understanding the transition of control over Ceylon. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a foothold on the island in the early 1500s and engaged in trade and militaristic expansion, but they were ultimately ousted by the Dutch during the mid-17th century. The French and Spaniards did not have significant control over the island; they were more focused on their respective colonies and trade routes elsewhere in Asia. Therefore, the Dutch's presence represents the last major colonial power in Ceylon before British annexation in the 19th century.