Sri Lanka General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Framework, Geography and Events
Sri Lanka General Knowledge and Current Affairs tests the constitutional and administrative framework, geography, economy and institutions of the country, plus recent events. Durable facts carry most marks; current-affairs items usually concern elections, appointments and major projects, so confirm office-holders close to the exam date.
Constitution and governance
- The 1978 Constitution (Second Republican Constitution) created the executive presidency. Parliament has 225 members: 196 from 22 electoral districts and 29 from the national list.
- There are 9 provinces, 25 administrative districts and 331 Divisional Secretariat divisions; provincial councils date from the 13th Amendment (1987).
- The 21st Amendment (2022) restored the two-term limit on the presidency and re-established the Constitutional Council.
- In 2024 Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidential election held on 21 September; the parliamentary election of 14 November gave the National People's Power a large majority, with Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister.
Geography and economy
- Area 65,610 km²; highest point Pidurutalagala 2,524 m; longest river the Mahaweli (335 km); coastline about 1,340 km.
- Separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar; northernmost point Point Pedro, southernmost Dondra Head.
- Currency is the Sri Lankan rupee, issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; the IMF Extended Fund Facility of about US$2.9 billion was approved in March 2023.
Worked example
A question asks for population density. With about 22.2 million people over 65,610 km²: 22 200 000 ÷ 65 610 ≈ 338 persons per km². Rounding the population first and then dividing is acceptable; forgetting to convert millions is not.
Traps
- Confusing provinces (9), administrative districts (25) and electoral districts (22).
- Mixing up President, Prime Minister and Speaker.
- Quoting figures from an outdated almanac.