Religions in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka - Colombo - Negombo - Dambulla - Kandy
The population of Sri Lanka practices more than one religion. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the main religions in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese people or rather the ethnic Sinhalese people are ardent adherents of Buddhism. Buddhism came to Sri Lanka very early and not only was this religion brought forward by the Buddhist missionaries, but Buddhist culture and civilization from India were also carried forward to Sri Lanka. Buddhist India started having a major influence on the Sinhalese society but the rites, ceremonies, festivals and observances were modified to suit the Sinhalese people. Actually when Lord Buddha started his teachings, adherents were limited to only regions in North India but with the passage of time more and more people started coming in to its fold. Emperor Ashoka, a faithful follower of Buddhism and one of the greatest disciples of Buddha sent his son Mahendra to establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Buddhism in Sri Lanka has tremendously influenced the lives of the people, Lord Buddha taught how to lead a good sincere life which is also happy and purposeful. Right path in life will lead to cessation of sorrow. Though Buddhism does not require worshipping, it is done by the people as a habit and custom.
Amongst the religions in Sri Lanka, Hinduism too has large followers. Hindu population in the country amount to around 15% of the population and besides the Tamils, Sindhis, Telegus and Malayalees practice this religion. The dominant religion in north eastern province, Hinduism in Sri Lanka has its own set of practices. The Tamils most follow the Saiva Siddhanta or Dvaita school of Shaivism. Dvaita Saiva Siddhanta has the most number of followers amongst Sri Lankan Hindus. This school of thought makes differentiation between the soul, God, actions and karma. This is in direct contrast to the unity of soul and God as expounded by the Vedanta school of thought.
Amongst the religions in Sri Lanka, Hinduism too has large followers. Hindu population in the country amount to around 15% of the population and besides the Tamils, Sindhis, Telegus and Malayalees practice this religion. The dominant religion in north eastern province, Hinduism in Sri Lanka has its own set of practices. The Tamils most follow the Saiva Siddhanta or Dvaita school of Shaivism. Dvaita Saiva Siddhanta has the most number of followers amongst Sri Lankan Hindus. This school of thought makes differentiation between the soul, God, actions and karma. This is in direct contrast to the unity of soul and God as expounded by the Vedanta school of thought.
Around 8% of the population in Sri Lanka is adherents to Islam and the Muslim Sri Lankan population can be further divided in to the following ethnic groups:
- Sri Lankan Moors
- Indian Moors
- Malays
Several very ornate and beautiful mosques are a testimony to the reverence this religion commands in Sri Lanka.
