What is the historical name of Sri Lanka?

The story behind the answer

Ceylon is the historical name for Sri Lanka, used especially during the colonial period under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. After gaining independence in 1948, the country was officially the Dominion of Ceylon until it adopted the name Sri Lanka in 1972. The other options aren’t historical country names: Myanmar is a different nation (formerly Burma), while Colombo and Badulla are Sri Lankan cities.

A useful memory hook is “Ceylon tea,” a world-famous brand that still carries the old name. The island has had many names over time—Taprobane to the Greeks and Romans, and Serendib to Arab traders (the root of “serendipity”). Remember: Ceylon = colonial-era Sri Lanka, renowned for tea.