Sri Lanka religion

Buddhism is the biggest religion on Sri Lanka, almost 70 % of the population are Buddhists. Buddhism was introduced into the country 250 BC and there are many beautiful temples to visit. Most famous is the one in Kandy holding an important relic: one of Buddha’s teeth.

Hinduism is the next biggest religion; Hindus constitute about 15 % of the population. Hinduism came to Sri Lanka through immigrants from India and Pakistan. Most of the followers are Tamil. The Portuguese destroyed several Hindi temples which were restored by the British.

8 % of the population is Catholic arriving in the country with the Portuguese colonization in the beginning of the 1600th century.

Islam came to the island with Arabic tradesmen. 7 % of the population is Muslim.