Sri Lanka to remove all references to Ceylon
News Source: The Telegraph – Photo by Lakdiva.org
Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948 and changes its name to Sri Lanka when it became a republic in 1972.
The name Ceylon is a transliteration of Ceilao, the name of the country under Portugal, the islands first European colonial rulers. The adopted name, Sri Lanka, is much older and closer to the Sinhalese and Tamil names for the island.
Many state institutions, however, have continued to use the name, including the Bank of Ceylon, Ceylon Electricity Board, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.
Sri Lanka’s government released a statement late last week saying it wanted legislation authorising the changes. With the ruling party holding a large majority in parliament, approval of suggested bills are considered a formality.
Although the government did not announce a date for the name change, it is likely to be made as early as possible this year.
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The government of Sri Lanka has nothing to do other than changing the name of the the country? That means now everything is ferfect and only thing the government has to do is to change the name of the country. Next time the government can change the name as Rajapakshaland. So it is same as Netherland, Switzerland, Deutsland(Germany), Icelnad and Ingland. There will be more and more nonsences will come in near future besause it is very easy pass the bill with one third majority in the prliament. The next time they will say say country should have three provinces like Ruhunu, Maya, and Pihity. Then later on the government will change it into Gota, Basil and Namal. We have to accept all these changes othervise we have to loose our life.
Dayaratne Bandara.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
hey daya!
Changes want go ahead.Changes Is OK.We don’t agree Put in any name any one who’s reputation.But this change is practically correct. some other countries they know us call still Ceylon.I think this change is good for country future,documentation & our marketing..think be positive!!!!
Kalpani.Italy
Sri Lanka needs some positive changes. I dont see anything wrong with this change.
Mohamed Shareef Asees
This name change to ‘Sri Lanka’ should have taken place when the country was declared a republic. However, certain intitutions with colonial mentality held on to the old name ‘Ceylon’.
I am all for shedding this last vestige of colonial domination.
srilanka is one the best peaceful country in the world,our srilanken countrymen fought for our srilanken rights,therefore we need some positive changes,And also my opinion is we have to have only singhala national anthem.