Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gained independence from British rule in:

Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, gained independence from Britain on 4 February 1948. The day is celebrated every year as National Day (Independence Day) in Sri Lanka.

How independence came:

• Unlike India, Ceylon gained independence largely through peaceful negotiations.
• The Soulbury Commission (1944 to 1945) recommended a new constitution.
• The Ceylon Independence Act, 1947 was passed by the British Parliament, and Ceylon became an independent dominion within the Commonwealth.

D.S. Senanayake became its first Prime Minister and is called the "Father of the Nation" of Sri Lanka.

Becoming a republic:

• In 1972, Ceylon adopted a new constitution, became a republic and changed its name to Sri Lanka.
• The British monarch ceased to be head of state.

Colonial history:

• The coastal areas of Sri Lanka were ruled by the Portuguese from the early 16th century and then by the Dutch.
• The British took control of the coastal areas in 1796 and the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815.
• Ceylon became a British Crown colony.

Economy under British rule:

• The British developed coffee and later tea plantations, using Tamil labourers brought from southern India.
• Ceylon tea became famous across the world.

Capitals:

• Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital.
• Colombo is the commercial capital and the largest city.

Relations with India:

• India and Sri Lanka share close cultural, religious and historical ties.
• The Palk Strait separates the two countries.
• Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) is a chain of shoals between Rameswaram and Mannar Island.

Indian assistance:

India has helped Sri Lanka with housing, railways and financial support, especially during the economic crisis of 2022.

Why not the other options?

• ✗1947 is the year of India's independence.
• ✗1956 is the year of a major language law in Ceylon.
• ✗1972 is the year Ceylon became the Republic of Sri Lanka.