8 Questions
In what year did Sri Lanka gain independence from British colonial rule?
1948
What was introduced by the British in Sri Lanka?
A plantation economy
What was the result of the Soulbury Commission?
Dominion status was recommended for Sri Lanka
What was the growth rate of Sri Lanka's economy since independence?
Around 4% per annum
What was the outcome of the Donoughmore Commission?
Constitutional reforms were recommended
What was a major challenge faced by Sri Lanka since independence?
Both a and b
What was declared by the 1972 constitution of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka as a unitary state
What was the head of the colony during the British colonial era?
A governor
Study Notes
Modern Sri Lanka
- Independence: Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule on February 4, 1948.
- Constitution: The country adopted a new constitution in 1972, which declared Sri Lanka a republic and a unitary state.
- Executive Presidency: The constitution introduced an executive presidency, which gave the president significant powers.
- Economic Development: Sri Lanka has made significant economic progress since independence, with a growth rate of around 4% per annum.
- Challenges: The country still faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, and ethnic tensions.
British Colonial Era
- British Colonization: Sri Lanka was colonized by the British in 1815, after the Kandyan Kingdom was defeated.
- Administrative Structure: The British established a centralized administrative structure, with a governor as the head of the colony.
- Plantation Economy: The British introduced a plantation economy, with tea, coffee, and rubber being major crops.
- Immigration: The British brought in immigrant labor from India, which led to tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil populations.
- Nationalist Movement: A nationalist movement emerged in the early 20th century, which demanded independence from British rule.
- Donoughmore Commission: The Donoughmore Commission (1927-1928) recommended constitutional reforms, which led to the introduction of universal franchise and a legislative council.
- Soulbury Commission: The Soulbury Commission (1944-1945) recommended dominion status for Sri Lanka, which paved the way for independence.
Modern Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka gained independence from British colonial rule on February 4, 1948.
- The country adopted a new constitution in 1972, declaring Sri Lanka a republic and a unitary state.
- The 1972 constitution introduced an executive presidency, granting the president significant powers.
- Sri Lanka has achieved a growth rate of around 4% per annum, making significant economic progress since independence.
- Despite progress, the country still faces challenges including poverty, corruption, and ethnic tensions.
British Colonial Era
- The British colonized Sri Lanka in 1815, following the defeat of the Kandyan Kingdom.
- A centralized administrative structure was established, headed by a governor.
- The British introduced a plantation economy, with tea, coffee, and rubber being major crops.
- Immigrant labor from India was brought in, leading to tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamil populations.
- A nationalist movement emerged in the early 20th century, demanding independence from British rule.
- The Donoughmore Commission (1927-1928) recommended constitutional reforms, introducing universal franchise and a legislative council.
- The Soulbury Commission (1944-1945) recommended dominion status for Sri Lanka, paving the way for independence.
This quiz covers key events and developments in Sri Lanka since its independence from British colonial rule in 1948, including the adoption of a new constitution and economic progress.
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