The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many things in the past. Mostly it has been influenced by religion and colonization by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British. Woodcarving, weaving, pottery and metalwork are all highly developed crafts, and Sri Lanka is especially renowned f    Read more...

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or its gems. Ambalangoda is the best place to see Sri Lankan masks; Ratnapura is the centre of Sri Lanka's gem trade.

Sri Lanka's classical architecture, sculpture and painting are predominantly Buddhist. Stupas sprinkle the countryside, and there are several extravagantly large Buddha sculptures, notably at Aukana and Buduruvagala. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have the most impressive archaeological legacy, but Kandy is the most thriving cultural centre today.

Sinhalese dancing is similar to Indian dance but relies on acrobatics, nimbleness and symbolism to unfold its narratives. Kandy is a good place to see 'up-country dancing,' but Colombo or Ambalangoda are the places to witness the ritualistic exorcism of 'devil dancing.' Folk theatre combines dance, masked drama, and drumming and exorcism rituals to vividly recreate Sri Lankan folklore.

Seeing and Participating in Sri Lankan Festivals is the best way to experience Sri Lanka Culture, Traditions, Life and It's People.

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