What Religion Is Sri Lanka? A Comprehensive Guide to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity

Sri Lanka is a diverse country with a rich religious history. The main religions practiced in Sri Lanka are Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Buddhism has the largest number of followers in Sri Lanka, making up about 70% of the population.

However, Sri Lanka constitutionally gives foremost place to Buddhism while also recognizing the freedom and equality of other religions. Let’s take a closer look at the major religions in Sri Lanka:

Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Buddhism has the largest following in Sri Lanka with about 70% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka from India. Since then, Theravada Buddhism has been the predominant religion in Sri Lanka.

Some key facts about Buddhism in Sri Lanka:

• Theravada Buddhism is the main form practiced
• There are over 6000 Buddhist temples and shrines in Sri Lanka
• The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is an important Buddhist shrine housing a relic of Buddha
• Important Buddhist festivals like Vesak (birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha) are national holidays

Buddhism is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture and society. Buddhist philosophy and practices influence daily life. For instance, Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, shapes Sri Lankan perspectives on violence. Meditation, mindfulness and vegetarianism are widely practiced. Government schools have Buddhist religious education. Politicians also rely on Buddhism to boost their popularity.

Overall, Buddhism continues to have a significant impact on the cultural, political and social landscape of Sri Lanka.

Main Buddhist Sects

There are three main Buddhist sects in Sri Lanka:

• Theravada: The traditional and dominant form of Buddhism. Follows Pali canon scriptures.
• Mahayana: More liberal branch focused on attaining Buddhahood. Followers worship celestial Bodhisattva.
• Vajrayana: Also known as Tantric Buddhism. Incorporates Hindu Tantric elements.

Hinduism in Sri Lanka

Hinduism is the second largest religion in Sri Lanka practiced by about 12% of the population. Hinduism was likely introduced during the period of Tamil Chola rule in Sri Lanka from 993-1077 CE. Most Sri Lankan Hindus are Tamil ethnically.

Some key facts about Hinduism in Sri Lanka:

• Most Hindus follow Shaivism, focused on worship of Lord Shiva
• Important Hindu temples include Nallur Kandaswamy and Munneswaram Temple
• Major Hindu festivals like Deepavali are public holidays in Sri Lanka
• Hinduism has influenced local Buddhist practices in Sri Lanka

Hinduism is concentrated in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka where Tamils are a majority. The civil war that ended in 2009 caused many Sri Lankan Hindus to emigrate abroad. Nevertheless, Hinduism remains an integral part of Sri Lanka’s religious make-up today.

Main Hindu Sects

Some of the main Hindu sects found in Sri Lanka include:

• Shaivism: Worshippers of Lord Shiva. Most common.
• Vaishnavism: Worshippers of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.
• Shaktism: Devotees of the Mother Goddess Shakti.
• Smartism: Worship five main Hindu deities equally.

Islam in Sri Lanka

Islam is practiced by about 10% of the Sri Lankan population. Arab traders introduced Islam to Sri Lanka around the 7th century CE. Most Sri Lankan Muslims are ethnically Moors.

Key facts about Islam in Sri Lanka:

• Most Muslims are Sunni belonging to the Shafi’i school of law
• Important mosques include Jami Ul Alfar Mosque and Grand Mosque of Colombo
• Major Muslim holidays like Ramadan and Hajj are national holidays
• Muslim community speaks Tamil and follow many local Buddhist customs

Sri Lankan Muslims predominantly live in the Eastern province. The civil war and the 2019 Easter bombings have caused tensions between Muslims and other faiths. However, Muslims continue to be an integral part of Sri Lanka’s pluralistic society.

Main Islamic Sects

The main Islamic sects found in Sri Lanka include:

• Sunni: Largest sect globally and in Sri Lanka. Follow Shafi’i school of law.
• Sufism: Mystical dimension focused on spiritual aspects.
• Shia: Small minority of Shia Muslims live in Sri Lanka.

Christianity in Sri Lanka

Christianity is a minority religion in Sri Lanka practiced by about 7% of the population. Portuguese colonists introduced Christianity in the 16th century CE. Most Christians are Roman Catholic along with other Protestant denominations.

Some key facts about Christianity in Sri Lanka:

• Roman Catholics make up the majority of Christians
• Important churches include St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolvendaal Church and St. Anthony’s Church
• Major holidays like Christmas and Easter are public holidays
• Christians are concentrated in western coastal regions

Under colonial rule, many Sinhalese and Tamils converted to Christianity. But some reverted after gaining independence. Still, Christianity has made significant contributions in education, health and social services in Sri Lanka.

Main Christian Denominations

The major Christian denominations in Sri Lanka include:

• Roman Catholic: Largest denomination. Has archdioceses across Sri Lanka.
• Dutch Reformed Church: Protestant church established under Dutch rule.
• Anglican Church: Protestant denomination with historical ties to Britain.
• Assemblies of God: Pentecostal movement with indigenous roots.

Religious Demographics at a Glance

Religion	Percentage of Population
Buddhism	70%
Hinduism	12%
Islam	10%
Christianity	7%

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is home to a diversity of religious faiths, mainly Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Buddhism has the most followers, making up 70% of the population. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are minority religions in Sri Lanka with considerable regional and cultural influence.

The Constitution recognizes religious freedom but gives special recognition to Buddhism for its profound impact on Sri Lanka’s civilization. Moving forward, the peaceful co-existence of different faiths will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s stability and progress as a pluralistic nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main religion in Sri Lanka?

The main religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism, practiced by about 70% of the population. Specifically, Theravada Buddhism is the predominant form in Sri Lanka.

How did Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka?

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE by Arhant Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. This launched the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Which city has an important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka?

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making Kandy an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka.

What religions do Tamils in Sri Lanka mainly follow?

Most Tamils in Sri Lanka are Hindus, who follow various sects of Hinduism like Shaivism and Vaishnavism. There are also some Tamil-speaking Muslims and Christians among the Sri Lankan Tamil community.

When did Islam first come to Sri Lanka?

Islam first arrived in Sri Lanka around the 7th century CE with Arab traders. Later Arab settlers married local women, establishing the Muslim community of Sri Lankan Moors.