Buddhism was reportedly brought to Sri Lanka from Eastern India in the 3rd century B.D. Sri Lanka prouds itself to be the curator of the earlier form of Buddhism, the orthodox Theravada school

Anuraddhapura has some of the most impressive Dagobas or Stupas in the Buddhist world

The sacred Bodhi-tree in Anuraddhapura is said to be a direct descendant of the Bodhi of Bodh Gaya in India, under which the Buddha gained enlightment

Monks and laypersons in prayer

Early cave temples in Dambulla

The temple of the tooth in Kandy

Elephant statues guard a temple at the outer walls

A historic painting in Kandy shows dignitaries of European colonisers as guests at the most important Buddhist festival, the Perahera in Kandy

Early frescos at the rocks in Sigiriya show similarities to the ones of Ajanta Caves in India