Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the oldest continually Buddhist country in the world. The religion was introduced in Sri Lanka in 2nd century BC by Mahinda-the son of Indian Emperor Ashoka-during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. Later on Ashoka's daughter Sanghamitta brought southern branch of the original Bodhi tree-under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The branch was planted at Anuradhapura and is today considered very sacred by Buddhists all over the world.

In the 1st century AD during the reign of King Vatta Gamini the Buddhist monks assembled in Aloka-Vihara and wrote down the Tripitaka, the three baskets of the Teachings, known as the Pali scriptures for the first time. Sri Lankan monks played a vital role in spreading Buddhism to South-east Asia and other parts of the world.

Following the advent of Portuguese in Sri Lanka in 16th century, Buddhism began to decline. Portuguese conquered Sri Lanka and savagely persecuted Buddhism, as did the Dutch who followed them. When the British won control at the beginning of the 19th century Buddhism was at its lowest ebb and Christianity was fast spreading its roots. But against all expectations the monastic and lay community brought about a major revival from about 1860 onwards, a movement that went hand in hand with growing nationalism.

Buddhism has two major schools-Theravada and Hinyana. In Sri Lanka Theravada school is followed. Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka itself can be divided into three different sects.

Siyam Nikaya:

In the 18th century, the official line of monastic ordination had been broken since monks at that time no longer knew the Pali tradition. The Kandyan king invited then the Theravada monks from Thailand to ordain Sinhalese novices; it was set up later as a reformed sect that enlivened study and proliferation of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Amarapura Nikaya:

This sect was initiated by members of rising low-country castes discontent with monopoly over the monastic community by the upper castes in the 19th century. The sect was subsequently slit along the caste lines.

Ramanna Nikaya:

This sect was established in the late nineteenth century as a result of disputes over some points of doctrine and the practice of meditation.

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Religions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious society. Though Buddhism is the major religion, other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are also followed.

About 70% of the population follows Buddhism. Buddhism came to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of Ashoka in third century BC and played a significant role in the establishment of Sinhalese kingdoms since the early times, dating back to over two thousand five hundred (2,500) years. Buddhism was regarded the highest ethical and philosophical expression of Sinhalese culture and civilization.

Hinduism is mainly practiced by Tamils in Sri Lanka who ethnically belong to South India where Hinduism was predominantly practiced. Around the fifth and the sixth century A.D., the Chola dynasty of South India usurped the throne of the Sinhalese Kingdom and conquered the island, leading to the considerable number of immigrants from South India into the northern Sri Lanka. Thus Hinduism was introduced in Sri Lanka and during the reign of Tamil kings, Hindu shrines were widely constructed. Major Hindu Gods that are worshipped in Sri Lanka are Vishnu, Shiva, Kali, Ganesha and Skanda.

Muslims comprise nearly 7% of Sri Lanka's population. In ancient times Arab traders from the Middle East visited the southern part of Sri Lanka for their business and later settled in the island. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka attained dominant growth by 10th century A.D.

Christianity first came to Sri Lanka upon the arrival of the Portuguese in the sixteenth century. Under their rule, Roman Catholicism was spread out in a mass scale of the Island with many Roman Catholic schools for the Sinhalese and the Tamils. With the attempts of the Portuguese to Christianize native people, Buddhism and Hinduism were severely affected. There were an increasing number of both Sinhalese and Tamils converting to Roman Catholicism. When the Portuguese were driven out by the Dutch, Protestantism and the Dutch Reformed Church was introduced. During the British rule conversions to Christianity increased. Later on due to the nationalism movement among the Sinhalese who held sway the political power; Christianity in Sri Lanka was somewhat restricted.

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Sri Lankan Events & Festivals

One of the most fascinating island countries of the world, Sri Lanka has a full year long calendar of religious and social events. Sri Lanka Festival & Events are held in different seasons but the most noticeable feature of these festivals is that nearly all major festivals take place or are celebrated on full moon days. Full Moon days are especially significant for this Buddhist country, each full moon or poya day is a Buddhist holiday. Most shops keep their shutters down and the public places of entertainment too mainly remain closed. Red meat or alcohol is not sold in most places and in hotels too alcohol is hard to get.

Some of Sri Lanka Festival & Events are really brilliant. Esala Festival is held usually in July and/or August in Kandy. It extends over 10 days and climaxes on Nikini full moon. Great processions are taken out with bedecked elephants, fire walkers, Kandyan dancers, spinning plates, all to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy. During the final three days, the best parades are taken out. Crowds throng the parade routes and for a tourist the experience can result in a kaleidoscope of different rituals, customs and colors.

In January, Duruthu Perahera is celebrated on Poya day. The festival has a religious connotation, in fact, it is a religious festival as it celebrates Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka. The centre of activity is Colombo and there one can get a glimpse of all the festivities from the Colombo House. Dalada Perahera is held on fourth December each year in Bentota in the sacred memory of the Arapant Maha Kaypa whose Tooth relic is enshrined at the Galapatha Rajamaha Temple. A huge parade is held in the Esala style but just for a night. Other celebrations like Deepavali, Buddhist New Year, Christmas, New Year are celebrated with gusto and the whole island breaks in to a riot of colors and festivity

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Shopping in Sri Lanka

There are a number of things, which tourists can buy in Sri Lanka. Gems, Readymade Garments, Batiks, Tea and Handicrafts are popular shopping itineraries among the tourists. Lacquer ware, Furniture, handmade Silver and Brass objects are other articles that tourists can purchase.

Ratnapura has been the main source of gems for many centuries and most of the Country's gem dealers are located in this town. Most gem cutting centers also offers gems to be set into jewelry by the visitors. Gems are also available at jewelry shops around the country.

Kandy is the best place to buy most of the handicrafts produced in Sri Lanka. There are number of shops catering to the tourists. At Kundasale, about 4km from Kandy, a village has been established recently to settle local craftsmen and their families. Visitors could watch artisans at work and purchase their products on site.

Sri Lanka is a major garment manufacturer and exporter of all kinds of clothing. Colombo is a major attraction for garment hunters. One can buy excellent selection of children's wear, beach wear, casual clothing for men and women and warm padded jackets at attractive prices from Colombo.

As the producer of the world's finest teas there are many tea sales centers at most tourist destinations around the country and at main shopping centers in Colombo.

Imitation of Dutch and British era furniture is also very popular among tourists.

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Travel Tips

While the distances are given in kilometers it is best that you plan your travel in terms of time as well. While roads are being fast upgraded congestion in some main highways and cities can cause delays. The best time for travel after an early breakfast or after lunch.

The public transport system is dependent on Buses and Trains. Generally, these tend to be crowded during peak hours and before and after weekends on long distance routes.

Buses:

A relatively inexpensive mode of travel. Buses are operated by the state as well as by private operators. On main routes connecting cities such as Galle, Kandy, Kurunegala and Colombo you will find comfortable air conditioned buses albeit at a premium price. The comfort when on long journeys is well worth the extra charge.

Trains:

Slightly more expensive than travelling in a bus.. There is a high possibility of a seat on long distance trains. It is definitely the most interesting way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the island as the Railway lines were intended to connect cities to bring produce to Colombo in the shortest possible time, in an age where packing crates and jute bags were the norm and refrigeration was not easy. The Railway lines run through scenic mountain passes and long tunnels into the hills, and on bridges built on over tranquil lagoons and winding rivers.

Taxis (Radio Cabs):

Please do inquire with your Hotel Front Desk/ Reception, as many would be happy to provide you with a taxi cab. Cars may be hired for your visits to places of interest on a predetermined itinerary at an agreed price, with information being readily available through maps, and guidebooks.

Three - Wheelers (tuk tuk):

This is an option that many visitors are comfortable with. The drivers of these ‘TUK TUKs’ (an appropriate name resonant with the noise made) are capable of communication no matter which language you speak. The gesticulations and the ingenious expressions they devise to explain a point is a form of entertainmentin itself. Most of these now have fare meters and thus spares you the pain of negotiation, and are quite reasonable.

Domestic passenger flights:

Those who would like to arrive at a destination faster and see the island with a scenic eye can use chartered flights from the Ratmalana Airport near Colombo. There is also an option to charter a light aircraft or book a private helicopter for transfers or day trips.

Information Service

• The Tourist Information Center (TIC) run in Colombo by the Ceylon Tourist Board is located at 78, Steuart Place, Galle Road, Colombo 3. Tel:11 2 437571,11 2 437059,11 2 437060.
• Kandy TIC – Headman’s Lodge, 3, Deva Veediya, Kandy, 0812 222661.
• Negombo TIC – 12/6, Lewis Place, Negombo.
• Hikkaduwa TIC – Commercial Bank Bldg., Galle Road, Hikkaduwa. Tel : 09122-223397
• Airport TIC – Located in the arrivals lounge of the International Airport, Katunayake and open day and night. Tel:11 2 452411

Tourist Police Units

• Special Tourist Police Units are available to assist our visitors.
• Tourist Police, Fort Police Station, Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Fort, Colombo – Tel: 433342
• Galle Road, Moragalle, Beruwela, Ethukala, Negombo Pushpadana Road, Kandy – Tel : 08-22222
• Sigiriya Village Hotel Road, Sigiriya Police Station, National holiday Resort, Bentota – Tel: 03475022
• Police Station, Galle Road, Hikkaduwa – Tel: 00 94 9 11 2 57222

Entry fees and photographic permit to archaeological sites

Starting from $5 which will go up to $30 (Age Limit 06 – 12 Years – 50 % of above value)

Visas

Please note

that there is a new Visa requirement implemented by the Department of immigration/Emigration for all tourists arriving to Sri Lanka after 1st January 2012. It has been made mandatory that all tourists fill in the ETA form online and apply for visas prior to arrival.

For more information, please visit www.eta.gov.lk/web/

What to Wear

Sri Lanka is a tropical country and cotton clothes are the most ideal to wear and of course your bathing suits are a must if you are visiting the beaches. Sun tan lotion could be very handy as it can be very hot sometimes.

If you are visiting the cultural and religious sites, it is a must that you wear appropriate clothing. Gents are required to wear trousers to cover their knees or a “sarong” with a shirt or T-shirt. Ladies should ideally wear decent attire such as a trouser or a skirt to cover the knees and a blouse or t-shirt. It may not be advisable for ladies to wear deep necked or a sleeveless top.