Re Call - MCQ - Political Changes In Sri Lanka Under The British -Protests For Independence — O/L Past Papers & Revision Courses

#1. Following the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931, why did protests continue?

The constitution granted too much power to local ministers.

Sri Lankans were demanding a return to monarchy.

Key areas like security, finance, and legal affairs remained under the control of British state officials.

The universal franchise was revoked by the governor.

#2. What was the primary purpose of the Suriyamal (Sunflower) Movement?

To raise funds for the British military during World War II.

To promote agricultural reforms across the country.

To celebrate British rule on Armistice Day.

To counter the Poppy Movement, which symbolized loyalty to Britain.

#3. The Suriyamal Movement, which used the sunflower as a symbol of independence, was primarily led by which political group?

The Ceylon National Congress

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP)

The Cabinet of Ministers

The Emancipated Soldiers' Guild

#4. In the context of the protest movements, what did the poppy flower symbolize, in contrast to the sunflower?

Poverty and struggle

Peace and neutrality

Independence and self-rule

Imperialism and slavery

#5. During World War II, what condition did the Cabinet of Ministers set for supporting Britain in the war?

Immediate transfer of all power.

The release of all political prisoners.

The promise of constitutional reforms after the war.

Financial compensation for their support.

#6. Which prominent minister was appointed to the Special Defence Bureau to help maintain security during World War II?

Dr. N.M. Perera

D.S. Senanayake

Lord Soulbury

Dr. Colvin R. De Silva

#7. What was the main proposal of the draft constitution prepared by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1944?

To establish a presidential system of government.

To implement a parliamentary system with full control over internal affairs.

To divide Sri Lanka into two separate administrative regions.

To adopt the British constitution without any changes.

#8. What was the name of the commission appointed in 1944 to review the draft constitution and propose a new one for Sri Lanka?

The Donoughmore Commission

The Manning Commission

The Colebrooke Commission

The Soulbury Commission

#9. The Soulbury Constitution, which paved the way for independence, established what kind of legislative structure?

A unicameral legislature called the State Council.

A bicameral legislature (House of Representatives and Senate).

An executive committee system with seven ministers.

A provincial council system with nine provinces.

#10. In which year was the Soulbury Commission’s report published, recommending a parliamentary system for Sri Lanka?

1931

1948

1945

1939

#11. Which legislative body approved the Soulbury Constitution in November 1945, marking a crucial step towards self-governance?

The State Council

The British Parliament

The Ceylon National Congress

The Cabinet of Ministers

#12. Who were the key Marxist leaders mentioned as being instrumental in the Suriyamal Movement?

D.S. Senanayake and Sir D.B. Jayathilaka

Ponnambalam Arunachalam and James Pieris

Dr. N.M. Perera and Dr. Colvin R. De Silva

Lord Soulbury and Governor Andrew Caldecott

#13. What was the ultimate significance of the Soulbury Constitution of 1945?

It delayed independence by another decade.

It established the framework for governance that led to independence in 1948.

It completely removed the governor's powers.

It dissolved the Ceylon National Congress.

#14. Who played a crucial role in negotiating with Britain during WWII and later became the first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka?