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Key Facts: GCE O/L History Exam

40 MCQs

Official Multiple-Choice Question Count in Paper 1

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

3 Hours

Total Examination Duration (Paper 1: 1h, Paper 2: 2h)

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

Subject 40

Official National Subject Code

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

3 Languages

Administered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English

Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka

Grade S+

Passing Benchmark for Ordinary Level Qualification

Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka GCE O/L History examination (Subject Code 33) is a compulsory national core paper comprising a 40-item multiple-choice Paper 1 and a structured map-marking Paper 2 administered across Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

Sample GCE O/L History Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the GCE O/L History exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which ancient Pali chronicle is regarded by historians as the earliest extant literary historical source composed in Sri Lanka?
A.Dipavamsa
B.Mahavamsa
C.Culavamsa
D.Rajavaliya
Explanation: The Dipavamsa (Chronicle of the Island) was authored in the 4th century CE and is the oldest surviving chronicle of Sri Lanka. Composed in Pali verse by an unknown author or monastic community (often attributed to Buddhist nuns), it provided the historical foundation for the later, more literary Mahavamsa. It details the visits of the Buddha, the introduction of Buddhism, and royal lineages up to the reign of King Mahasen.
2During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, which Buddhist monk arrived in Sri Lanka to formally introduce Buddhism?
A.Ven. Moggaliputta Tissa Thera
B.Arahant Mahinda Thera
C.Ven. Sanghamitta Theri
D.Ven. Buddhaghosa Thera
Explanation: Arahant Mahinda Thera, the son of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka, arrived in Sri Lanka on the Poson full moon poya day in the 3rd century BCE (c. 247 BCE). He met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale (Missaka Pawa) and preached the Chula Hatthipadopama Sutta, formally establishing Buddhism as the state religion. His mission established monastic life and initiated a cultural transformation across the island.
3Which sacred edifice is historically recognized as the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka following the official introduction of Buddhism?
A.Ruwanwelisaya
B.Jetavanaramaya
C.Thuparama
D.Mirisawetiya
Explanation: Thuparama was constructed in Anuradhapura by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE upon the instruction of Arahant Mahinda Thera. It enshrined the right collarbone (Griva Dhatu) of the Gautama Buddha, which was obtained from Emperor Asoka. Designed in the traditional bell shape (Dhanyagara/Ghantakara), it established the architectural prototype for subsequent Sri Lankan dagobas.
4Which ancient ruler is credited with founding Anuradhapura as a planned capital city and establishing its formal urban boundaries?
A.King Vijaya
B.King Mutasiva
C.King Devanampiyatissa
D.King Pandukabhaya
Explanation: King Pandukabhaya (4th century BCE) is celebrated as the architect of Anuradhapura as a well-planned metropolitan capital. He established administrative boundaries (simamariyada), developed suburbs, appointed a city superintendent (Nagaraguttika), set aside quarters for foreign traders (Yonas) and diverse religious sects, and constructed the Abhaya Wewa (Basawakkulama) to guarantee the urban water supply. His town planning represents the earliest documented organized civic layout in Sri Lanka.
5Which Anuradhapura king unified Sri Lanka after defeating King Elara and initiated the construction of the Mahathupa (Ruwanwelisaya)?
A.King Dutugemunu
B.King Kavantissa
C.King Saddhatissa
D.King Valagamba
Explanation: King Dutugemunu (reigned 161–137 BCE), son of King Kavantissa of Ruhuna, unified the three administrative realms of Sri Lanka after defeating King Elara at Anuradhapura. In addition to politically integrating the island, he erected magnificent monuments including the Mirisawetiya, the nine-storeyed Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) for the Sangha, and commenced the colossal Ruwanwelisaya, which was finished by his brother Saddhatissa.
6Which 5th-century monarch established his royal seat and fortress atop the Sigiriya rock citadel?
A.King Dhatusena
B.King Kassapa I
C.King Moggalana I
D.King Aggabodhi I
Explanation: King Kassapa I (reigned 477–495 CE) constructed his palace and citadel atop the dramatic 200-metre granite outcrop of Sigiriya. Fearing retribution from his brother Moggalana after usurping the throne from their father Dhatusena, Kassapa transformed the rock into an elaborate complex featuring landscaped water gardens, the Lion Gate, the Kat Bitha (mirror wall), and world-renowned fresco paintings of celestial maidens (Apsaras).
7What was the primary engineering function of the 'Bisokotuwa' (cistern sluice) in ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic technology?
A.Preventing soil erosion along the outer perimeter of paddy terraces
B.Diverting river floodwaters directly into feeder canals without storage
C.Regulating water pressure and velocity before water entered the discharge conduit through the dam
D.Measuring the annual silt accumulation at the bottom of the reservoir basin
Explanation: The Bisokotuwa (valve pit or cistern sluice) is a distinctive invention of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineers, dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE. It is a stone-lined rectangular enclosure situated within the reservoir bund where incoming water decelerates, dissipating its hydrostatic pressure. By reducing the turbulent velocity of deep water before it enters the discharge conduit, the Bisokotuwa prevented the structural erosion and destruction of earthen dam walls.
8At which rock temple was the Buddhist Pali Canon (Tripitaka) first committed to writing on ola leaves during the reign of King Valagamba?
A.Dambulla Cave Temple
B.Mihintale Chetiyagiri
C.Mahavihara in Anuradhapura
D.Aluvihara in Matale
Explanation: The Buddhist Tripitaka (Pali Canon) and its commentaries were committed to writing on ola (talipot palm) leaves at the Aluvihara rock temple near Matale in approximately 29 BCE during the reign of King Valagamba (Vattagamani Abhaya). Prior to this historic council, the Dhamma had been preserved through oral recitation by Bhanaka (reciter) monks. A devastating twelve-year famine (Baminithiya Saya) and foreign invasions threatened the survival of learned monks, necessitating written preservation.
9At which archaeological site were well-preserved Mesolithic skeletal remains of 'Balangoda Man' (*Homo sapiens balangodensis*) discovered alongside geometric microliths dated to nearly 38,000 years ago?
A.Fa Hien Cave (Pahiyangala)
B.Ibbankatuwa
C.Pomparippu
D.Kantale
Explanation: Fa Hien Cave (Pahiyangala) in the Kalutara District yielded some of the earliest human skeletal remains and geometric microlithic quartz tools in South Asia, dating back to approximately 38,000–40,000 BP. Excavations directed by Dr. S.U. Deraniyagala proved that prehistoric humans (Balangoda Man) inhabited wet-zone rock shelters, gathered wild breadfruit and tree snails (Acavus), and crafted delicate bone tools long before the agricultural era.
10The archaeological site of Ibbankatuwa near Dambulla is best known for providing evidence of which prehistoric or protohistoric culture in Sri Lanka?
A.Mesolithic cave microlith workshops
B.Early Iron Age Megalithic cist burials
C.Middle Stone Age shell middens
D.Polonnaruwa-period cremation chambers
Explanation: Ibbankatuwa is Sri Lanka's premier excavated Early Iron Age Megalithic cemetery, dating from approximately 750 BCE to 400 BCE. The site features stone cist graves composed of large granite slabs enclosing terracotta urns containing cremated human remains, carnelian beads, iron tools, and Black and Red Ware (BRW) pottery. This provides conclusive material evidence of an organized, sedentary protohistoric society prior to the formal historical period.

About the GCE O/L History Exam

The Sri Lanka General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) History examination (Subject Code 33) is a compulsory core national examination administered annually by the Department of Examinations under the Ministry of Education. The curriculum covers the chronological evolution of Sri Lanka from prehistoric and proto-historic settlements, through the hydraulic civilizations of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the shifting medieval capitals, the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras, to modern political reforms and post-independence development up to 1978. In addition, the syllabus incorporates pivotal themes in world history, such as the European Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, and the United Nations. This practice bank provides 100 multiple-choice questions designed to help students master historical chronology, analytical reasoning, and factual recall.

Exam sponsor: Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (doenets.lk). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The G.C.E. O/L History examination (Subject Code 33) consists of two papers sat on the same day in separate sessions. Per the Department of Examinations timetable, Paper II runs for 3 hours 10 minutes in the morning and Paper I, containing 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions, runs for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Time Limit

Paper II: 3 hours 10 minutes (morning); Paper I: 1 hour (afternoon)

Passing Score

Grade S or higher

Exam / Certification Fees

Free for school candidates; nominal fee for private candidates

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Approximately 70% to 75% of candidates achieve Grade S or higher nationally.. This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Early Civilization and Anuradhapura Kingdom

Historical sources and epigraphy, pre-historic and proto-historic settlements, introduction of Buddhism, early state formation, irrigation technology and hydraulic civilization, and prominent Anuradhapura monarchs.

25%

Polonnaruwa and Southwestern Kingdoms

Polonnaruwa kingdom, liberation from Chola rule, King Parakramabahu I and King Nissankamalla, hydraulic networks, drift of political power to the southwest (Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Gampola, Kotte), Sitawaka, and the Kingdom of Kandy.

30%

Western Colonial Rule and Sri Lanka

Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial administrations, Kandyan Convention of 1815, anti-colonial rebellions of 1818 and 1848, Colebrooke-Cameron reforms of 1833, the plantation economy, and 19th-century religious and cultural revivals.

20%

World History and Post-Independence Sri Lanka

European Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, League of Nations and United Nations, constitutional evolution (Donoughmore and Soulbury), Ceylon independence in 1948, and post-independence political developments up to 1978.

Preparing for the GCE O/L History Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade S or higher
  • Assessment: The G.C.E. O/L History examination (Subject Code 33) consists of two papers sat on the same day in separate sessions. Per the Department of Examinations timetable, Paper II runs for 3 hours 10 minutes in the morning and Paper I, containing 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions, runs for 1 hour in the afternoon.
  • Time limit: Paper II: 3 hours 10 minutes (morning); Paper I: 1 hour (afternoon)
  • Exam / certification fees: Free for school candidates; nominal fee for private candidates Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the examination structure of GCE O/L History (Subject Code 33)?

The examination consists of two papers: Paper 1 has 40 compulsory multiple-choice questions (1 hour), while Paper 2 consists of structured essay questions and an obligatory historical map marking section (2 hours).

Is History a compulsory subject for all students sitting GCE O/L in Sri Lanka?

Yes. History is one of the six compulsory core subjects in the national curriculum for Grade 10 and Grade 11, taken by every school candidate sitting the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination.

In which languages can candidates sit for GCE O/L History?

The examination is administered nationwide in three official media of instruction: Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Candidates complete both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in their registered medium.

What is the role of historical map marking in Paper 2?

Map marking is a compulsory question in Paper 2 carrying significant marks. Candidates are provided with an outline map of Sri Lanka and must accurately locate historical tanks, ancient capitals, battle sites, ports, and monasteries.

What grades are awarded for GCE O/L History by the Department of Examinations?

Results are awarded on the standard national scale: Grade A (Distinction, 75–100), Grade B (Very Good Pass, 65–74), Grade C (Credit Pass, 55–64), Grade S (Simple Pass, 35–54), and Grade F (Fail, below 35).