Buddhism is introduced to Sri Lanka in…

Buddhism is introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE from India, where it had been established by Siddartha Gautama three centuries earlier.

The powerful Indian monarch, Asoka, nurtures the new comprehensive religio-philosophical system in the third century BCE.

Asoka's conversion to Buddhism marks one of the turning points in religious history because at this time, Buddhism is elevated from a minor sect to an official religion enjoying all the advantages of royal patronage.

Asoka's empire, which extends over most of India, supports one of the most vigorous missionary enterprises in history.