Buddhism is the religion of most people followed by Hinduism. The Buddha tooth relic temple is visted by people of all religions in Sri Lanka. King Asoka’s son Mahendra was responsible for spreading Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Islam religion is believed to be brought by the Arabian traders. Dvaita Saiva Siddhanta has large followers among the Hindus in Sri Lanka. Their principles are in contrast to the Vedantha school of thought. The beautiful carvings on Hindu temples speak volumes about the architectural splendor in Sri Lanka. Temples were built by particular dynasties which give us much information about the life and times of that dynasty.

About 7% of the country’s populations are Muslims. They can be further subdivided into: Sri Lankan Moors, Indian Moors and Malays. Several beautiful mosques in Sri Lanka symbolize the reverence commanded by this religion in Sri Lanka.

The arrival of Portuguese in the 16th century led to the spread of Christianity in Sri Lanka. Conversions to Christianity increased during the British rule, but Christianity is somewhat restricted in Sri Lanka.

The major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka include Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils and also the Indian Tamils. Muslims and other people of mixed European and Sri Lankan descent also live in Sri Lanka. Among Sinhalese too there is a distinction between people living in the coastal areas and those living in the central part of the island.

Veddhas are the indigenous inhabitants of Sri lanka. The Dutch Burghers and Sri Lankan Malays are other ethnic groups of Sri Lanka. The Jews of Old Ceylon and Chetties from nagapattinam also have their foothold in Sri lanka.