The connection between religion, culture, language, and education and their combined influence on national identity have been an age-old pervasive force for the Sinhalese Buddhists.

Devanampiya Tissa employs Asoka's strategy of merging the political state with Buddhism, supporting Buddhist institutions from the state's coffers, and locating temples close to the royal palace for greater control.

With such patronage, Buddhism is positioned to evolve as the highest ethical and philosophical expression of Sinhalese culture and civilization.

Buddhism appeals directly to the masses, leading to the growth of a collective Sinhalese cultural consciousness.