Definition

Proper noun A country in South Asia, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, officially named the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It was formerly known as Ceylon and gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1948.

Usage

• Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production.
• The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, while Colombo is its commercial center.
• Tourism is an important industry for Sri Lanka.

Advanced Usage

• "The Sri Lankan...": Used as an adjective to describe something originating from or relating to Sri Lanka.
  • The Sri Lankan cricket team is very competitive.
  • She enjoys Sri Lankan cuisine.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceylon (Proper noun): The former name of Sri Lanka (used until 1972).
  • Ceylon was a British colony.
• Sri Lankan (Adjective/Noun): Of or relating to Sri Lanka; a person from Sri Lanka.
  • He is a Sri Lankan citizen. (Adjective)
  • The Sri Lankans celebrated their national holiday. (Noun)

Synonyms

• (Former name) Ceylon
• (Poetic/formal) The Resplendent Isle

Noun

1. a republic on the island of Ceylon; became independent of the United Kingdom in 1948