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Sri Lanka Planning Service Exam study materials
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Sri Lanka Planning Service Exam practice questions

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Question 1General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka's Parliament consists of how many members under the current constitutional framework, unless Parliament is dissolved early and a new general election is held?

  1. 225 Correct answer.
  2. 210
  3. 250
  4. 196

Explanation

The Constitution provides for a unicameral Parliament of 225 members, elected for a five-year term. Of these, 196 are elected from electoral districts and 29 are appointed from national lists under proportional representation.

Question 2General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In Sri Lanka's executive presidential system, who appoints the Prime Minister?

  1. The Speaker of Parliament
  2. The Cabinet Secretary
  3. The Chief Justice
  4. The President Correct answer.

Explanation

Under the Constitution the President appoints the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister must be a member of Parliament who in the President's view is most likely to command the confidence of Parliament. The Speaker, Chief Justice and Cabinet Secretary have no role in this appointment.

Question 3General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which body is constitutionally responsible for conducting elections and referendums in Sri Lanka?

  1. The Ministry of Public Administration
  2. The Department of Registration of Persons
  3. The Election Commission Correct answer.
  4. The Auditor General's Department

Explanation

The Election Commission is the independent constitutional body charged with conducting elections and referendums and with registering political parties and candidates. The other bodies listed perform registration, administrative or audit functions unrelated to election management.

Question 4General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka's Parliament is described as unicameral because it consists of:

  1. A chamber that also sits as the judiciary
  2. A single chamber Correct answer.
  3. Two chambers with equal powers
  4. A chamber plus a council of state

Explanation

A unicameral legislature has only one chamber, which is the case for Sri Lanka's Parliament. Bicameral systems, by contrast, divide legislative power between an upper and a lower house.

Question 5General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka?

  1. Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
  2. Pidurutalagala Correct answer.
  3. Knuckles
  4. Horton Plains

Explanation

Pidurutalagala, near Nuwara Eliya, is the highest point in Sri Lanka at roughly 2,524 metres. Adam's Peak and the Knuckles range are prominent but lower, and Horton Plains is a plateau rather than a single summit.

Question 6General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which is the longest river in Sri Lanka?

  1. Kelani River
  2. Walawe River
  3. Mahaweli River Correct answer.
  4. Kalu River

Explanation

The Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka, running roughly 335 kilometres from the central highlands to the east coast. It is also central to the country's irrigation and hydropower systems.

Question 7General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which currency is the legal tender of Sri Lanka?

  1. Indian rupee
  2. Ceylon pound
  3. Sri Lankan rupee Correct answer.
  4. Sri Lankan dollar

Explanation

The Sri Lankan rupee is the country's legal tender, issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Ceylon pound was used in the colonial era and has long been replaced.

Question 8General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which institution is Sri Lanka's central bank?

  1. People's Bank
  2. National Savings Bank
  3. Bank of Ceylon
  4. Central Bank of Sri Lanka Correct answer.

Explanation

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka is the monetary authority responsible for currency issue and monetary policy. Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank and National Savings Bank are state-owned commercial or savings banks rather than the central bank.

Question 9General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Under Sri Lanka's proportional representation system for parliamentary elections, national list seats are allocated to political parties and independent groups based on:

  1. Their national share of the vote Correct answer.
  2. The number of candidates who file nominations
  3. The seniority of their candidates
  4. The number of districts they contest

Explanation

The 29 national list seats are distributed in proportion to each party's or independent group's national vote share. This is the proportional element that complements the 196 district seats.

Question 10General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A draft bill in Sri Lanka's Parliament is known as a bill until it:

  1. Is gazetted by the Department of Government Printing
  2. Is approved by the Cabinet
  3. Is endorsed by the President and becomes law Correct answer.
  4. Receives the Speaker's certification

Explanation

A bill becomes an Act of Parliament once it is passed by Parliament and receives presidential assent or endorsement. Gazetting and Cabinet approval are earlier procedural steps, and the Speaker's certification applies to particular constitutional bills.

Question 11General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A candidate in a Sri Lankan parliamentary election is declared elected from a district primarily on the basis of:

  1. The candidate's age and seniority
  2. The party's national vote share only
  3. The total number of preference votes received Correct answer.
  4. The order of names on the nomination paper alone

Explanation

Within each district, seats are first allocated among parties and independent groups, and the candidates with the highest preference votes within each list are then declared elected. Name order on the nomination paper and age do not decide the outcome.

Question 12General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following best describes the role of a District Secretariat in Sri Lanka's public administration?

  1. It conducts national elections in the district
  2. It issues currency notes for the district
  3. It adjudicates criminal cases in the district
  4. It coordinates development and administrative functions at district level Correct answer.

Explanation

The District Secretariat, headed by the District Secretary, coordinates public administration and development activities within the district and links central government with local bodies. Elections are run by the Election Commission, courts by the judiciary and currency by the Central Bank.

Question 13General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which constitutional body in Sri Lanka is mandated to protect and promote fundamental rights and to inquire into complaints of their infringement by executive action?

  1. The Public Service Commission
  2. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Correct answer.
  3. The Bribery Commission
  4. The National Police Commission

Explanation

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is the constitutional body tasked with inquiring into complaints of fundamental rights infringements by executive or administrative action. The other commissions have distinct mandates concerning appointments, corruption or police administration.

Question 14General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka's local government system includes which set of bodies?

  1. Urban Councils, District Councils and Divisional Secretariats
  2. Provincial Councils, District Councils and Grama Sabhas
  3. Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas Correct answer.
  4. Municipal Councils, Provincial Councils and District Secretariats

Explanation

Local government in Sri Lanka consists of Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, each established under local authorities legislation. Provincial Councils are a separate devolved tier, while District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats are central government administrative units.

Question 15General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Jaffna Peninsula is located in which province of Sri Lanka?

  1. North Western Province
  2. Eastern Province
  3. North Central Province
  4. Northern Province Correct answer.

Explanation

Jaffna lies in the Northern Province, the northernmost province of Sri Lanka. The Eastern Province lies to the south-east, and the North Central and North Western provinces are in the interior and west respectively.

Question 16General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which strait separates Sri Lanka from India?

  1. Strait of Malacca
  2. Bass Strait
  3. Palk Strait Correct answer.
  4. Hormuz Strait

Explanation

The Palk Strait lies between northern Sri Lanka and the southern coast of India. The other straits listed are located in Southeast Asia, Australia and the Persian Gulf respectively.

Question 17General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In Sri Lanka's budget cycle, the Appropriation Bill authorises:

  1. Government spending from the Consolidated Fund for the financial year Correct answer.
  2. The salaries of provincial council members only
  3. The borrowing powers of commercial banks
  4. The appointment of the Auditor General

Explanation

The Appropriation Bill, presented with the annual budget, authorises expenditure from the Consolidated Fund for the financial year and is debated and passed by Parliament. It does not deal with judicial appointments or commercial bank borrowing.

Question 18General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following is a tea-growing district of Sri Lanka?

  1. Jaffna
  2. Nuwara Eliya Correct answer.
  3. Hambantota
  4. Mannar

Explanation

Nuwara Eliya, in the central highlands, is one of Sri Lanka's principal tea-growing districts because of its cool, high-altitude climate. Jaffna and Mannar are in the dry northern zone, and Hambantota is in the dry south, none of them major tea areas.

Question 19General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The official head of a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in a foreign capital, accredited to that country, is normally styled:

  1. Ambassador Correct answer.
  2. Permanent Representative
  3. High Commissioner
  4. Consul General

Explanation

Sri Lanka's top diplomatic representative to a foreign country is an Ambassador, while the equivalent to a Commonwealth country is styled High Commissioner. A Consul General heads a consulate rather than a full mission, and a Permanent Representative is accredited to an international organisation.

Question 20General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka is a founding member of which regional organisation established in 1985 for South Asian cooperation?

  1. APEC
  2. ASEAN
  3. BIMSTEC
  4. SAARC Correct answer.

Explanation

Sri Lanka was a founding member of SAARC, established in 1985 in Dhaka, which promotes cooperation among South Asian states. ASEAN is Southeast Asian, BIMSTEC was founded later in 1997, and APEC is a trans-Pacific grouping.

Question 21General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Under Sri Lanka's constitutional framework, a bill that amends entrenched provisions of the Constitution, such as those on the executive or judicial structure, generally requires:

  1. Approval by the Supreme Court in its sole discretion
  2. A two-thirds majority in Parliament and, for certain provisions, approval at a referendum Correct answer.
  3. Only a simple majority in Parliament
  4. Approval by the Cabinet alone

Explanation

Entrenched constitutional provisions require a two-thirds majority of the whole membership of Parliament, and specified provisions additionally require approval by the people at a referendum. A simple majority or Cabinet approval is insufficient, and the Supreme Court only determines constitutionality, not substitution for parliamentary approval.

Question 22General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A newly appointed officer is asked to explain why Sri Lanka's Public Service Commission is constitutionally important. Which reasoning is most accurate?

  1. It oversees appointments, promotions and discipline in the public service, reducing political interference Correct answer.
  2. It manages the national budget and approves taxation
  3. It conducts elections and registers political parties
  4. It adjudicates appeals from the Court of Appeal

Explanation

The Public Service Commission is a constitutional body that advises on and oversees public service appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary matters, helping to insulate the bureaucracy from political influence. Budgeting, election conduct and judicial appeals lie with other institutions.

Question 23General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which statement best explains why Sri Lanka's mixed electoral system combines district-level proportional representation with a national list?

  1. To remove the need for political parties in elections
  2. To ensure every district has equal population
  3. To allow the President to appoint additional members at will
  4. To balance local district representation with a share of seats reflecting national vote strength Correct answer.

Explanation

The design pairs district seats, which give local representation, with national list seats allocated by national vote share so that parties with dispersed support are not disadvantaged. It does not equalise district populations, give the President free appointment power, or remove political parties.

Question 24General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A provincial council in Sri Lanka wishes to act on a matter that appears on the Provincial Councils List. Which analysis is correct?

  1. It must defer entirely to the central government because only central laws apply
  2. It may act only after a national referendum
  3. It may act only if the President personally approves each decision
  4. It may legislate on the matter subject to the Constitution and national policy norms Correct answer.

Explanation

Provincial Councils may make statutes on subjects in the Provincial Councils List, subject to the Constitution and national policy considerations where relevant. They do not need case-by-case presidential approval or a referendum, and the list is not a dead letter.

Question 25General Knowledge and Current Affairs

An officer argues that because Sri Lanka is a unitary state, devolution to Provincial Councils is constitutionally impossible. Which response is most accurate?

  1. The officer is correct; unitary states cannot devolve power
  2. The officer is wrong because Provincial Councils are sovereign bodies
  3. The officer is correct only for provinces with special status
  4. The officer is wrong; a unitary state can devolve power to subnational bodies while ultimate sovereignty remains with the central state Correct answer.

Explanation

A unitary state can still devolve administrative and legislative powers to subnational bodies such as Provincial Councils, provided ultimate sovereignty remains central. Devolution does not make those bodies sovereign, and it is not prohibited by unitary status.

Question 26General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka's Parliament consists of the President and how many elected members, under the current constitutional provisions?

  1. 225 members Correct answer.
  2. 250 members
  3. 196 members
  4. 210 members

Explanation

The Constitution provides for a unicameral Parliament of 225 members, comprising 196 elected from electoral districts and 29 from the national list. The President is not a member of Parliament but is part of Parliament for legislative purposes.

Question 27General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which body prepares and publishes the annual budget estimates that are placed before Sri Lanka's Parliament?

  1. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka
  2. The Ministry of Finance Correct answer.
  3. The Auditor General's Department
  4. The Public Accounts Committee

Explanation

The Ministry of Finance, through its budget department, formulates the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure that underpin the Appropriation Bill. The Central Bank handles monetary policy, while audit and oversight bodies examine spending after the fact.

Question 28General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Sri Lanka's national flag features a lion holding a sword, surrounded by bo leaves, alongside which additional symbols?

  1. Three horizontal stripes in blue, white and red
  2. Two vertical stripes in green and orange Correct answer.
  3. Four diagonal bands in green and orange
  4. A single vertical stripe in yellow

Explanation

The Lion Flag contains a lion with a sword on a maroon field with four bo leaves in the corners, and two vertical stripes of green and orange near the hoist representing minority communities. The stripes are vertical, not horizontal or diagonal.

Question 29General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which city serves as the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, hosting the Parliament and central government ministries?

  1. Galle
  2. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Correct answer.
  3. Kandy
  4. Colombo

Explanation

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital, where the Parliament complex and many ministries are located. Colombo remains the commercial capital and largest city, which is why the two are often confused.

Question 30General Knowledge and Current Affairs

An officer must identify which institution conducts elections for Parliament and Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. Which body is responsible?

  1. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka Correct answer.
  2. The Ministry of Public Administration
  3. The National Elections Advisory Council
  4. The Department of Registration of Persons

Explanation

The Election Commission, established as an independent constitutional body, conducts and supervises elections for Parliament, Provincial Councils and local authorities. It also registers political parties and monitors campaign conduct.

Question 31General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A public officer is asked to explain the role of the Attorney General's Department in Sri Lanka's governance. Which description is most accurate?

  1. It supervises the prison system and criminal investigations
  2. It drafts all private contracts and registers land titles
  3. It provides legal advice to the Government and conducts prosecutions on behalf of the State Correct answer.
  4. It adjudicates constitutional disputes between the Centre and provinces

Explanation

The Attorney General is the chief legal adviser to the Government and directs State prosecutions, including criminal proceedings in the higher courts. The Department does not adjudicate disputes or administer prisons.

Question 32General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following best describes the function of Sri Lanka's Auditor General?

  1. Setting interest rates for commercial banks
  2. Preparing the annual national budget
  3. Auditing the accounts of all public institutions and reporting findings to Parliament Correct answer.
  4. Appointing heads of government departments

Explanation

The Auditor General is a constitutional officer who audits public accounts and reports to Parliament, where the Public Accounts Committee examines the findings. Budget preparation, monetary policy and appointments belong to other institutions.

Question 33General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In Sri Lanka's administrative structure, which officer is the chief administrative officer of a district and coordinates central government activities there?

  1. The District Secretary Correct answer.
  2. The Municipal Commissioner
  3. The Provincial Governor
  4. The Divisional Secretary

Explanation

The District Secretary heads the district administration and coordinates central government departments at district level, working with the Governor on provincial matters. The Divisional Secretary operates at a lower tier within the district.

Question 34General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following is the principal function of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka?

  1. Administering the Employees' Provident Fund
  2. Issuing currency notes and coins
  3. Supervising commercial bank lending rates
  4. Regulating the securities market and protecting investors Correct answer.

Explanation

The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the Colombo Stock Exchange and market intermediaries, with investor protection as a core objective. Currency issuance and banking supervision are functions of the Central Bank.

Question 35General Knowledge and Current Affairs

An officer is asked which Sri Lankan institution is responsible for protecting consumers and regulating food safety standards nationally. Which body fits this description?

  1. The Export Development Board
  2. The Board of Investment
  3. The Consumer Affairs Authority Correct answer.
  4. The Sri Lanka Standards Institution

Explanation

The Consumer Affairs Authority is the statutory body empowered to protect consumers and regulate trade practices, including price control and product standards enforcement. The Sri Lanka Standards Institution sets technical standards but does not enforce consumer protection directly.

Question 36General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A candidate asks which Sri Lankan institution is constitutionally responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of public officers. Which body is it?

  1. The National Police Commission
  2. The Judicial Service Commission
  3. The Public Service Commission Correct answer.
  4. The Human Rights Commission

Explanation

The Public Service Commission is constitutionally mandated to handle appointments, promotions, transfers and disciplinary control of public officers. The other commissions deal with the judiciary, police and human rights respectively, not general public service matters.

Question 37General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following best explains why Sri Lanka's Constitution is described as a hybrid in its amendment procedure?

  1. Amendments are made solely by the Supreme Court
  2. Only the President may amend the Constitution by decree
  3. Some provisions can be amended by a simple parliamentary majority while entrenched provisions require a special majority and approval at a referendum Correct answer.
  4. All amendments require approval by a national referendum

Explanation

The Constitution distinguishes between ordinary provisions amendable by a two-thirds majority and entrenched provisions that also require approval at a referendum. This graded procedure is what makes the amendment process hybrid.

Question 38General Knowledge and Current Affairs

An officer argues that Sri Lanka's Provincial Councils can legislate on any subject because they are sovereign bodies. Which analysis is correct?

  1. Provincial Councils may legislate only on subjects in the Provincial Councils List, and central legislation prevails on concurrent matters Correct answer.
  2. Provincial Councils have no legislative power at all
  3. Provincial Councils may legislate only with the prior approval of the Supreme Court
  4. Provincial Councils may legislate on any subject without limitation

Explanation

Devolution in Sri Lanka is limited: Provincial Councils legislate on the Provincial Councils List, while the Reserved List belongs to Parliament and the Concurrent List is shared with central law prevailing. Provincial Councils are therefore not sovereign legislatures.

Question 39General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A district returning officer must explain how preferential votes affect the allocation of district seats in a Sri Lankan parliamentary election. Which statement is accurate?

  1. Voters mark preferences among candidates of a party, and seats are filled in order of preference within the party's allocated quota Correct answer.
  2. Voters select only a party, and the party leadership decides all district seats
  3. Voters elect candidates directly by first-past-the-post in each polling division
  4. Voters rank parties, and the highest-ranked party takes every district seat

Explanation

Under the proportional system, each voter casts a party vote and may mark preferences among that party's candidates; seats are allocated to parties by quota and filled according to preference order. This combines party proportionality with voter choice among candidates.

Question 40General Knowledge and Current Affairs

An officer claims that because Sri Lanka is a unitary state, any transfer of power to Provincial Councils is unconstitutional. Which response is most accurate?

  1. Devolution is constitutionally permissible because the Thirteenth Amendment created Provincial Councils while Parliament retains ultimate legislative supremacy Correct answer.
  2. The claim is correct because Provincial Councils were created only by ordinary statute
  3. The claim is correct because a unitary state cannot share power at all
  4. Devolution is permissible only if each province signs a separate treaty with the Centre

Explanation

A unitary state can devolve power without ceasing to be unitary, since the centre retains supremacy and can alter the devolved framework. In Sri Lanka the Thirteenth Amendment and the Provincial Councils Act established the councils within that framework.

Question 41Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which ancient hydraulic civilisation in Sri Lanka is famous for its large reservoirs (wewa) and canal systems, with sites such as Abhayagiri and Jetavana viharas?

  1. Galle
  2. Anuradhapura Correct answer.
  3. Polonnaruwa
  4. Kandy

Explanation

Anuradhapura was the island's capital for roughly a millennium and a half and is celebrated for early large-scale irrigation works such as the Basawakkulama and Tissa wewa, alongside major monastic complexes like Abhayagiri and Jetavana. Its combination of hydraulic engineering and Buddhist monastic architecture is the reason it anchors the Cultural Triangle.

Question 42Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

The Sigiriya rock fortress is most closely associated with which king, who is credited with its palace complex and water gardens?

  1. Vijaya
  2. Parakramabahu I
  3. Kashyapa I Correct answer.
  4. Dutugemunu

Explanation

Sigiriya's summit palace, mirror wall, frescoes and symmetrical water gardens are attributed to King Kashyapa I in the fifth century CE. He reportedly established the site after seizing power from his father, and it later reverted to monastic use after his defeat.

Question 43Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is located in which city?

  1. Matara
  2. Colombo
  3. Anuradhapura
  4. Kandy Correct answer.

Explanation

The Sri Dalada Maligawa stands beside Kandy Lake in the royal capital of the Kandyan kingdom. Because the relic symbolised royal legitimacy, its custodian was historically the king, and the temple remains the focus of the annual Esala Perahera.

Question 44Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which annual procession in Kandy features caparisoned elephants, dancers and drummers honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic?

  1. Thai Pongal
  2. Esala Perahera Correct answer.
  3. Vesak
  4. Deepavali

Explanation

The Esala Perahera is a multi-day pageant held in Kandy, traditionally in the lunar month of Esala, in which the casket of the Tooth Relic is paraded. It combines ritual, dance, drumming and the participation of major temples such as the Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini devales.

Question 45Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which chronicle, written in Pali, recounts the legendary arrival of Prince Vijaya and the early history of the island?

  1. Rajavaliya
  2. Mahavamsa Correct answer.
  3. Vamsatthappakasini
  4. Chulavamsa

Explanation

The Mahavamsa is the great Pali chronicle covering the island's history from the legendary founding by Vijaya through the Anuradhapura period. It is a key source for early dynastic and religious history, though historians read its legendary sections critically.

Question 46Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which Sri Lankan site is a UNESCO World Heritage rock monastery noted for its ancient cave temples with painted ceilings and reclining Buddha images?

  1. Kelaniya
  2. Mihintale
  3. Adam's Peak
  4. Dambulla Correct answer.

Explanation

The Dambulla cave temple complex, also called the Golden Temple, comprises a series of rock-cut caves richly decorated with murals and statues spanning several centuries. Its continuous use and artistic value earned it World Heritage listing.

Question 47Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu/Puthandu) is traditionally celebrated in which month?

  1. April Correct answer.
  2. January
  3. July
  4. October

Explanation

The new year is observed in mid-April, timed to the sun's movement into the sign of Aries. It is marked by customs such as lighting the hearth, anointing oil, and the first exchange of auspicious food at set times calculated by astrologers.

Question 48Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which ancient city is renowned for the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha figures carved directly into a granite rock face?

  1. Anuradhapura
  2. Yapahuwa
  3. Polonnaruwa Correct answer.
  4. Panduwasnuwara

Explanation

The Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa comprises a seated meditating Buddha, a standing figure, a large reclining Buddha and a small seated figure, all cut from a single granite outcrop. It dates to the twelfth-century reign of Parakramabahu I and is a masterpiece of Sinhalese rock sculpture.

Question 49Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

A candidate is asked to identify the kingdom whose kings built the extensive irrigation network around Polonnaruwa, including the Parakrama Samudra. Which ruler is credited with that reservoir?

  1. Rajasinghe I
  2. Nissanka Malla
  3. Parakramabahu I Correct answer.
  4. Vijayabahu I

Explanation

Parakramabahu I, who ruled in the twelfth century, is credited with the Parakrama Samudra and with a broader programme of irrigation works intended to expand paddy cultivation. His reign is remembered for the maxim that not even a drop of rainwater should reach the sea unused.

Question 50Sri Lankan History, Culture and Heritage

Which event in Sri Lankan history is dated to 1505 and involved the arrival of a Portuguese fleet near Colombo?

  1. The founding of the Dutch East India Company in Ceylon
  2. The first Portuguese landing on the island Correct answer.
  3. The signing of the Kandyan Convention
  4. The start of the British occupation of Kandy

Explanation

Portuguese ships under Lourenco de Almeida reached the western coast in 1505, opening the era of Portuguese influence over coastal trade and territory. This landing preceded the later Dutch and British colonial periods.