Sri Lanka citizenship test: requirements and civics quiz
Sri Lanka has no published official citizenship test question list. This page explains what naturalisation requires, links to the official source, and offers a free 15-question general civics quiz for learning. The quiz is not an official exam.
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Is there an official Sri Lanka citizenship test? We have not found a published official question list. Naturalisation requirements are summarised below with a link to the official source. The quiz on this page is a general civics quiz for learning and is not linked to any official process.
Does Sri Lanka have a citizenship test? How naturalisation works
Last reviewed: October 15, 2026 · Checked against the official source linked on this page.
Sri Lanka does not have a general naturalisation route open to all long-term residents. Under the Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948, foreign nationals in certain categories, such as the spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen or a person with Sri Lankan ancestry, can apply for citizenship by registration, with conditions that include a period of residence in Sri Lanka. Applications are handled by the Citizenship Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration and decided by the Minister. There is no official written citizenship knowledge test.
This civics practice quiz is not an official exam. It covers Sri Lanka’s government, its history from the ancient kingdoms to independence, and its geography, culture and national symbols. Always confirm current eligibility and procedures with the Department of Immigration and Emigration before applying.
| Official citizenship test | No. Sri Lanka has no published citizenship knowledge test. Naturalisation requirements still apply; see below and the official source. |
|---|---|
| How naturalisation works | No written knowledge test; citizenship by registration is decided by the Minister under the Citizenship Act and handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. |
| Who it applies to | Foreign nationals eligible for citizenship by registration, such as spouses of citizens and people of Sri Lankan descent. |
Topics in the general civics quiz
- Government and lawThe capital, the official languages, the 1978 Constitution and the Sri Lankan rupee.5 questions
- HistoryAncient kingdoms such as Sigiriya, colonial rule and independence from Britain in 1948.5 questions
- Geography, culture and symbolsMountains and rivers, the Lion Flag, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth and the Palk Strait.5 questions
Sample questions
Answer: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, a suburb of Colombo, is home to the Parliament. Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital.
Answer: 1948. Ceylon became independent on 4 February 1948, which is celebrated each year as National Day.
Answer: Pidurutalagala. Pidurutalagala, near Nuwara Eliya, is the highest point at about 2,524 metres. Adam's Peak is lower but more famous.
How to prepare
Remember the two official languages, Sinhala and Tamil, and that English is recognised as a link language.
Learn the difference between the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and the commercial capital, Colombo.
Study the order of colonial powers in Sri Lanka: Portuguese, Dutch and then British.
Check the Department of Immigration and Emigration website for the category of registration that applies to you.
Sri Lanka citizenship FAQ
Does Sri Lanka have a citizenship test?
No. Sri Lanka has no official written citizenship knowledge test. Eligible people apply for citizenship by registration, which is decided by the Minister.
Can any long-term resident become a Sri Lankan citizen?
Not usually. Registration is available only to certain categories set out in the Citizenship Act, such as spouses of citizens and people with Sri Lankan ancestry.
Which office handles citizenship applications in Sri Lanka?
The Citizenship Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo handles citizenship matters, including dual citizenship.
Is this Sri Lanka practice quiz the real exam?
No. This is a civics practice quiz to help you learn about Sri Lanka. It is not an official government test.