History and Culture

Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage stretches back over 3,000 years, leaving behind extraordinary monuments that continue to inspire awe today. From intricately carved stone edifices and serene Buddha statues to temple complexes perched dramatically on rocky cliffs, the island showcases the sophistication of its ancient kingdoms. Ingenious irrigation systems, still admired for their engineering brilliance, reflect the advanced knowledge and resilience of these early civilizations.

The island’s strategic location on the ancient Silk Road further enriched its cultural and economic life, blending trade and tradition into a legacy. Today, the Cultural Triangle comprising Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya preserves some of the finest examples of this glorious past. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these cities reveal a treasure trove of ruins, palaces, shrines, monasteries, water gardens, and temples that celebrate both the prosperity of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms and the enduring influence of Buddhism.