The culture of Sri Lanka today is a result of religious beliefs that stretch back over thirty thousand years. The country’s history is vividly depicted in dance, song and various forms of religious art. Sri Lanka has four main religions, which form the foundation of its society: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Hinduism is believed to have been the first religion present in the country, the first historic reference is in the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana. It tells that Yaksha king Kubera of Sri Lanka was a Hindu. Buddhism, which is most widely practiced, arrived in the country from neighbouring India during the third century BC. To mark the occasion, a sapling from the Bodhi tree, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka.
A painting portraying the transportation of the plant hangs in the Sri Lankan Art Gallery. The Bo tree, which grew from the sapling, can be found in Anuradhapura; it draws devoted pilgrims even today. Christianity was introduced to Sri Lanka through India, as a result of its close ties and proximity. It is believed that Thomas the Apostle preached in Sri Lanka in the first century AD. Islam came to Sri Lanka with Arab traders who controlled much of the trade in the Indian Ocean, in the seventh century AD.
Art in Sri Lanka, much like religion, has played an important role throughout history.
The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, with their intricately carved stone relics and temples, are perfect examples of religion meeting art. King Kassapa of Sigirya had beautiful frescoes painted on the walls and his palace itself, taking the shape of giant lion, was an artistic and architectural wonder. In more modern times: Expressionism, Impressionism, Cubism and Surrealism have found their place on the Sri Lankan art scene introduced by the likes of Ivan Peris, Justin Peris Deraniyagala and George Claessen.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
