Sri Lanka to end use of its colonial name Ceylon

Colombo: Sri Lanka has decided to remove all remaining references to its British colonial name Ceylon from state institutions.

Ceylon gained independence from Britain in 1948 and changed its name to Sri Lanka when it became a republic in 1972.

Many state institutions, however, have continued to use the name, including the Bank of Ceylon, Ceylon Electricity Board, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.

Sri Lanka's government released a statement late last week saying it wanted legislation authorising the changes.

With the ruling party holding a large majority in Parliament, approval of suggested bills are considered a formality.

In ancient times, this Indian ocean island was called by a variety of names; with Greek geographers calling it Taprobane and Arabs referring to it as Serendib.

The Portuguese, the island's first European colonial rulers, called it Ceilao.

Ceylon is a transliteration of Ceilao made by the British when they took over control of the island in 1815.

The government did not announce a date for the name change.

The name Ceylon is likely to remain in common use in the tea industry, where it is recognised in the international market for its quality.