Sri Lanka has retained democracy since its independence in 1948. But it faced a serious challenge, not from the military or monarchy, but rather from ethnic conflict leading to the demand for secession by one of the regions.
After its independence, politics in Sri Lanka (it was then known as Ceylon) was dominated by forces that represented the interests of the majority Sinhala community. They were hostile to a large number of Tamils who had migrated from India to Sri Lanka and settled there. This migration continued even after independence. The Sinhala nationalists thought that Sri Lanka should not give 'concessions' to the Tamils because Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhala people only. The neglect of Tamil concerns led to militant Tamil nationalism. From 1983 onward, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was fighting an armed struggle with the army of Sri Lanka in pursuit of their demand for a "Tamil Elam" or separate country for the Tamilians of Sri Lanka. At one point in time, the northeastern part of Sri Lanka was controlled by the LTTE.
The government of India has from time to time tried to negotiate with the Sri Lankan government on the Tamil question. But in 1987, the government of India for the first time got directly involved in the Sri Lankan Tamil question. India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to stabilize relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamils. Eventually, the Indian Army got into a fight with the LTTE. The presence of Indian troops was also not liked much by the Sri Lankans. They saw this as an attempt by India to interfere in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka. In 1989, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) pulled out of Sri Lanka without attaining its objective.
Sri Lanka's Former Name Identified
The question asks for the earlier name of Sri Lanka. The provided text offers a clear clue regarding this historical detail.
Understanding Sri Lanka's Name History
The text explains the political landscape of Sri Lanka following its independence in 1948. It specifically mentions the country's name during that period:
- "After its independence, politics in Sri Lanka (it was then known as Ceylon) was dominated by forces that represented the interests of the majority Sinhala community."
This statement directly indicates that the earlier name for Sri Lanka was Ceylon.
Analysis of Options
Based on the text, the correct earlier name for Sri Lanka is Ceylon. Let's look at the options provided:
- Option 1: Rangoon (This is a city in Myanmar, formerly Burma).
- Option 2: Ceylon (This matches the information given in the text).
- Option 3: Shatagu (This is not a recognized former name for Sri Lanka).
- Option 4: Shahbajgadhi (This is an ancient Buddhist site in Pakistan).
Conclusion on Sri Lanka's Former Name
Therefore, the earlier name of Sri Lanka was Ceylon, as explicitly stated in the provided passage discussing the country's post-independence political history and the challenges related to ethnic conflict.
Important Questions from South Asia and the Contemporary World
SAFTA stands for:
Match List I with List II.
List-I List-II A. India-Pakistan I. LTTE B. India-Bangladesh II. Brahmaputra River C. India-Sri Lanka III. ASEAN D. Act East Policy IV. Tashkent Agreement Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which one of the following was the first country to liberalize its economy in the South Asian region?
In 1972, Shimla Agreement was signed by:
Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord was signed in:
