The culture of Sri Lanka mixes modern elements with traditional aspects and is known for its regional diversity. Sri Lankan culture has long been influenced by the heritage of Theravada Buddhism passed on from India, and the religion’s legacy is particularly strong in Sri Lanka’s southern and central regions.
Anuradhapura is an ancient city which is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. These include Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi – a branch from the Sri Maha Bodhi in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Ruwanweli Maha Seya – contains the largest collection of relics of the Buddha, Mihintale – location of the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Thuparamaya – the first Buddhist temple in the country, Jetavanaramaya – one of the tallest stupas in the ancient world and many more venerated sites. In addition to being home to a large number of sacred and historical structures, Anuradhapura is also a city which bears evidence of the highly talented engineers of ancient times, who were responsible for the large irrigation tanks which are used to supply water to the city even today. Some of the large tanks which were built by various kings of ancient Sri Lanka are Tissa Wewa, Kala Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, Basawakkulama Wewa, Nachchaduwa Wewa and Yodha Ela.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is located 24 km (30 min) from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka. Built in about 80BC It is the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Inside are 153 Buddha statues in various reposes, three statues of ancient kings, and four other statues including those of Vishnu and Ganesh. The ceiling and walls have been repainted over the centuries contain a juxtapose of imagery including those of royal life. Dambulla, located in Sri Lanka, is home to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of five caves filled with ancient statues and paintings related to Buddhism.
Sri Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple. The temple which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is one of the holiest shrines in the entire Buddhist world.