Is Ceylon Sri Lanka?

Yes, Ceylon and Sri Lanka refer to the same country. During the British colonial era, the country was known as Ceylon, but when it became a republic in 1972, the name was officially changed to Sri Lanka.

A Brief History of the Name "Ceylon"

1815–1948: British Ceylon – The island was under British rule and was called Ceylon.
1948–1972: Dominion of Ceylon – It was Ceylon until 1972, after it gained independence.
1972–Present: Republic of Sri Lanka – The country took its current name in order to represent its cultural and historical identity.

About Ceylon and Sri Lanka - More Information

Why was Ceylon renamed as Sri Lanka?

The name change was one of the national identity movements to eliminate colonial influences. The term Sri Lanka has deep historical roots, as "Lanka" is mentioned in ancient texts, and "Sri" is an honorific meaning "resplendent" or "sacred".

Is the Name "Ceylon" Still Used?

Yes. Although the country is now officially known as Sri Lanka, the term "Ceylon" is still used in several global contexts, particularly in:

Ceylon Tea: Sri Lanka is a significant global tea exporter, and the "Ceylon Tea" brand is well-known around the world.
Historical references: When discussing history prior to 1972, books, maps, and other scholarly publications may use the term "Ceylon".
Business names: Some Sri Lankan companies still use “Ceylon” for branding purposes, especially in the tourism and tea industries.

What are the legal or official applications of Ceylon currently?

No, Ceylon does not have usage in legal or official areas. The official name of the country is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Is it possible to use Ceylon while making a trip to Sri Lanka?

No. Use Sri Lanka for travel bookings, visas, or any other official document to avoid confusion.

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