Question

The earlier name of Sri Lanka was _____.

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Sri Lanka was previously named Ceylon.

For historical clarity:

• The name Lanka is traditionally linked to the island, particularly in epics like the Ramayana, but it was never an official former name.
• Ceylon served as the name during Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule, from the 16th century up to 1972, when the nation officially transitioned to the Republic of Sri Lanka.
• Gold Coast was the colonial designation for present-day Ghana in Africa and has no connection to Sri Lanka.
• Siam is the former name of Thailand and is entirely unrelated to Sri Lanka.

Consequently, the correct identification is that modern Sri Lanka was formerly known as Ceylon.