The Historical Evolution of Sri Lanka's Name: From Ceylon to Sri Lanka

Introduction

The name of the island formerly known as Ceylon has a rich and fascinating history. This article explores the evolution of the name Sri Lanka and its deep cultural and historical significance. We will delve into the etymology and meanings of the name, as well as the different naming conventions throughout history.

Etymology and Meaning of Sri Lanka

The term 'Sri Lanka' is derived from the ancient Sanskrit name '?rī La?kā'. In Sanskrit, ?rī means 'resplendent' or 'glory', and lā?ka means 'island'. Therefore, Sri Lanka translates to 'Resplendent Island'.

The ancient name of Sri Lanka in Sanskrit was '?rī Rī La?ka Dīpā', where '?rī Rī' is a variation of '?rī' and 'La?ka Dīpā' means 'Resplendent Island'. Over time, this evolved into the familiar name '?rī La?ka' and later '?rī Lanka' in modern times.

The Name Ceylon

The term 'Ceylon' is derived from the Portuguese name 'Ceil?o'. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, bringing changes to the name and the introduction of colonial governance. However, the term 'Ceylon' did not become the official name until the British colonial period, which began in the 19th century. The British used 'Ceylon' for more than two centuries, officially renaming the country Sri Lanka only in 1972.

The Process of Renaming to Sri Lanka

1972: From Ceylon to Sri Lanka

In 1972, when Sri Lanka became a fully fledged republic, the name was officially changed to Sri Lanka. This change was made to reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and to highlight its 'resplendent' nature. The name 'Sri Lanka' was chosen to emphasize the island's glory and beauty.

1978: The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Further changes followed in 1978, when Sri Lanka created an executive presidency. The official name was changed to the 'Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka', reflecting the country's constitutional and political framework.

Mythical Origins of the Name

According to various myths and legends, the name '?rī La?ka' has specific etymological stories. In one of these legends, the name is derived from the fact that the island was close to Adam's Peak (?rī Mūragala in Tamil and Sinhala). According to this myth, in the beginning of times, Allah sent Adam to a mountain region which later became Adam's Peak, while Eve was sent to the base of the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. They spent 40 full moons (approximately 3 years) in isolation, after which they walked together, eventually establishing the Kingdom of Kush.

However, the use of such myths should be approached with caution and understood within the context of cultural and religious beliefs rather than historical fact. The name '?rī La?ka' is more likely to have evolved from its etymological roots rather than from a specific mythic event.

Contemporary Context and Misnomers

It is important to note that the name 'Sri Lanka' is the official and widely recognized name of the country. The use of 'Ceylon' by some may be seen as a misnomer, particularly in the context of modern governance and official documents. However, it is also recognized that the name 'Ceylon' is deeply entwined in the colonial history of the region and still holds significance for many.

For instance, the term 'Eelam', derived from the Tamil word, refers to a concept of a Tamil homeland in present-day Sri Lanka. However, it is important to recognize that 'Eelam' does not refer to a separate sovereign state but rather a socio-political movement or identity claim. The use of such terms should be encouraged to be open and inclusive, recognizing the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage of the region.

Conclusion

The name '?rī La?ka' and its variants carry significant cultural and historical weight. The official change to Sri Lanka in 1972 was a manifestation of the country's identity and its desire to align with its rich cultural heritage. While myths and legends add to the enchanting stories surrounding the name, it is the official name that holds legal and constitutional significance in the modern world.

Understanding the evolution of the name Sri Lanka (or Ceylon) provides valuable insights into the cultural, historical, and political developments of this beautiful island nation.