In 1972, changes to the name of Ceylon’s capital marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history, where ancient culture and religious diversity found fresh expression in the name of the state.

Cultural Rebirth: The Renaming of Ceylon to Sri Lanka

In 1972, changes to the name of Ceylon’s capital marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history, where ancient culture and religious diversity found fresh expression in the name of the state. This step became a striking symbol of the desire to emphasize the uniqueness of a region that, for centuries, has been a place where different faiths and traditions coexist. The energy of this historic decision is tied to a deep respect for traditional heritage, when Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam interwove, creating an inimitable spiritual atmosphere that continues to define the country's essence.

The significance of this cultural transformation was reinforced by historical conflicts in which sacred relics, such as the Tooth of the Buddha, served not merely as objects of faith but as true symbols of spiritual wealth and national identity. The struggle to possess these artifacts underscores how central religious heritage was—and remains—to the self-definition of this unique part of the world.

Ultimately, the renaming of Ceylon to Sri Lanka was not simply a change of name, but an important act of restoring cultural roots. This decision reflected a centuries-old history filled with religious traditions, cultural syntheses, and struggles over spiritual legacy, which continue to inspire modern generations in preserving and developing their unique historical journey.

What are the historical and cultural reasons why Lanka came to be known as Sri Lanka, unlike other sacred sites?

The answer to your question can be formed by combining several historical and cultural aspects. First, according to the text from the source “ link txt” (page: 172), the official renaming of Ceylon’s capital, formerly known as Colombo, in 1972 carried significant symbolic meaning. The new name, Sri Lanka, was chosen as a reflection of the historical and cultural context in which diverse religious traditions and cultural heritages merged. In other words, the very name emphasizes the multifaceted religious palette of the country—where Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam coexist—to create the unique identity of this sacred place.

Additionally, further confirmation of the cultural transformation and the importance of religious artifacts can be found in material from “ link txt” (page: 83). It is noted there that throughout history, wars on the island of Sri Lanka were repeatedly fought over the possession of sacred objects like the Tooth of the Buddha. These conflicts testify to the central role that religious artifacts have played in shaping the spiritual legacy and identity of the place, elevating the status of Sri Lanka as unique among other sacred sites.

Thus, the historical and cultural reasons for renaming Lanka to Sri Lanka lie in a deliberate effort to emphasize and restore its unique cultural identity—a legacy drawn from centuries of coexistence and interaction among various religious traditions, as well as from a history marked by struggles over revered artifacts that rendered this place especially significant in spiritual terms.

Supporting citation(s):
"In 1972, the capital of Ceylon, formerly Colombo, became known as Sri Lanka. Christians make up 7% of Ceylon’s population, mostly Catholics; 67% are Buddhists, 17.5% Hindus, and 7% Muslims. In this historical and cultural context, the name Sri Lanka symbolizes the blending of different religious traditions and cultural heritages." (source: link txt, page: 172)

"Moreover, history has recorded numerous instances when aggression was justified by religious aims: wars on the island of Sri Lanka for possession of the Tooth of the Buddha, the campaign of the Burmese king Anurdhadi against the state of Thaton allegedly for obtaining the Pali canon, and so on. Many wars were also fought for religious artifacts. These artifacts and sacred objects played a central role in cultural identity and symbolized spiritual heritage alongside their material value." (source: link txt, page: 83)