Question

The earlier name of Sri Lanka was _____.

• A. Lanka
• B. Ceylon
• C. Gold Coast
• D. Siam

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The earlier name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon. 

To understand the historical context:

• Lanka is a name that has been traditionally associated with the island, especially in epic tales like the Ramayana, but it is not a former official name of the country.
• Ceylon was the name used during the period of colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, from the 16th century until 1972, when the country officially became the Republic of Sri Lanka.
• Gold Coast was actually the colonial name for what is now Ghana in Africa, not related to Sri Lanka.
• Siam is the former name of Thailand, completely unrelated to Sri Lanka.

Therefore, the correct answer is modern Sri Lanka was earlier known as Ceylon.

 

Answer 2

Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon until 1972, when it became a republic and adopted its current name. The name "Ceylon" was used during the colonial period under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. The change to Sri Lanka reflected the country's independence and cultural heritage after gaining freedom from colonial powers.