Sri Lankan Courteous Culture

Sri Lankan Historical and Cultural Heritage covers more than 2,000 years. Known as Lanka, the "resplendent land"--in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, the island has numerous other references that testify to the island's natural beauty and wealth. Islamic folklore maintains that Adam and Eve were offered refuge on the island as solace for their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Asian poets, noting the geographical location of the island and lauding its beauty, called it the "pearl upon the brow of India." A troubled nation in the 1980s, torn apart by communal violence, Sri Lanka has more recently been called India's "fallen tear." 

The European rule introduced democracy, modern education, legal and commercial system. Sri Lanka now is a mirror of it's own ancient and modern cultures diverse from it's cities to far villages.

Sri Lanka claims a democratic tradition matched by few other developing countries, and since its independence in 1948, successive governments have been freely elected. Sri Lanka's citizens enjoy a long life expectancy, advanced health standards, and one of the highest literacy rates in the world despite the fact that the country has one of the lowest per capita incomes.

  
     
                              
National Flag   National Emblem
     

Sri Lankan Religious view

   
Sri Lanka's culture also revolves around religion. The Buddhist community of Sri Lanka observe Poya Days, which are also important days of prayers to the Hindus, once per month according to the Lunar calendar. The Hindus and Muslims also observe their own holidays. Sri Lankans are very religious because the history of the island has been involved with religion numerous times. There are many Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and many mosques, Hindu temples and churches all across the island.

The religious preference of an area could be determined by the number of religious institutions in the area. The North and the East of the island has many Hindu temples and mosques because a large Tamil and Muslim population resides in those areas. Many churches could be found along the southern coast line because many living in those areas are Roman Catholic or Protestant. The interior of the island is mostly the Buddhist population and there are many Buddhists residing in all parts of the island because they are the largest religious group in Sri Lanka.		  
     

Sri Lankan Festivals

   

Sinhalese & Tamil New Year
Celebrated somewhere between the 13th and 15th April depending on the completion of the solar circuit. Celebrated mainly by visiting relatives but also with elephant races, coconut games and pillow fights in rural villages.

Vesak
Celebrated on the day of the full moon in May. Most important Buddhist festival, which commemorates the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha (almost a Christmas, Easter and Whitsun combined!).

Poson
Celebrated on the day of the full moon in June, mainly in Mihintale. Festival to celebrate when the reigning king of Sri Lanka first met Mahinda, who brought Buddhism from India.