History and Culture | Sri Lanka (The Fallen Tear)

Hello Everyone,

The historical and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka covers over 2,000 years. Known as Lanka in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, there are many other references to the natural beauty and wealth of this island. Asian poets praised the geographical location of the island and its beauty, calling it the "pearl on the forehead of India". Sri Lanka has recently been referred to as India's "fallen tear".

Sri Lanka on world map | Source:

Ancient Indian and Sri Lankan myths and legends have been studied in depth and interpreted extensively for their understanding of the human settlements and philosophical development of the island. It is not clear whether the island’s first colonialists were Sinhalese or Sri Lankan Tamils, but the evidence suggests that Sri Lanka has been a multi-ethnic society since ancient times. The majority of the Sinhala population (70%) use Buddhism. Minority religions include Hinduism, Christianity, and Muslims. They all live quite comfortably with each other and generally respect each other. Older generations do not believe in the interconnection of religions with marriage, but it is changing with young Sri Lankans. Visitors can visit Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and Christian mosques throughout the island.
The ancient and famous Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of Tooth' is the main Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and traditionally houses the teeth of the Buddha. Millions of devotees visit it every year. There are many other famous religious places in Sri Lanka that attract daily visitors.

Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) | Source:

There is a close connection between society and Buddhism, as well as traditional art, dance and music. All these elements are fused in Sri Lankan culture. The island is home to two major traditional cultures. That is Sinhala and Tamil. Sinhala and Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 14 every year by Sinhalese and Tamils.

The official food of Sri Lanka is rice and curry. Types of curries vary from meat, chicken and fish curries to vegetable and fruit curries. These come along with sambols and are fresh blends made from coconut or leaves. Many Sri Lankans, certainly those in the villages, ate traditional food, practiced traditional crafts and lived through the traditional arts. But the economic growth and intense economic competition of the developed countries has spread too many parts of Sri Lanka, bringing about changes that can be identified as progressive, westernization or loss of identity and assimilation.

Me making Sri Lankan Tranditionl Food | Appa

The main language of the island is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil and the third language is English. Most people know a little bit of English, Sinhala or Tamil, and the younger generation is learning faster.

The first people of Sri Lanka were Vedda. It is more mixed with the colonialists and later settlers and still has some Vedda communities all over the island. Mostly living among nature and hunting for survival.

Vedda Tribe | indigenous people of Sri Lanka | Source:

There are many reasons why Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. Come and spend some time on the island to learn more about the culture of Sri Lanka and much more to discover.

We must preserve our culture and history. It is our responsibility to pass on the importance of this to future generations. We are lucky to live in a country like Sri Lanka.

Thank you. I invite @nishadi88, @inudi, @shaakya, to participate this contest.