Sri Lanka has a rich cultural diversity, which defines the identity of the country. Dating back 2000 years, this vast culture is based on ancient customs, traditions and rituals. Some of the major elements, deep-rooted within the culture range from the colourful festivals including the regional ‘Pereheras’, the remarkable ancient architecture in historical temples, monasteries and the other religious monuments such as the stupas in Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa and the exotic cuisine.
If you’re planning to book your holidays to Sri Lanka, there are many tour companies such as Walkers Tours who will be able to assist in planning the perfect cultural tour of the island, to ensure you get the best cultural experience from the island.
Sri Lankan culture is greatly reflected through art, sculpture and general behavior and rituals of the people. Sri Lankan way of life is greatly associated with nature, making it extremely simple. Sri Lankans tend to appreciate simple qualities of each other, individual religions and varied regional cultures.
Sri Lankan culture is immensely shaped by the influence of colonial rule. A great deal of architecture especially in the coastal regions such as Galle, Negombo and Colombo were constructed according to the whims and fancies of the respective colonial rulers. These structures and historical monuments including the Galle fort and Dutch hospital, however serve as major tourist attractions of the country in modern times.
The indigenous medicine of the country often practiced with the integration of Indian Ayurveda medicine also make a monumental aspect of the culture. This is a splendid form of treatments with simple cures for fatal diseases often untreatable by western medicine.
The visual and performing arts of the country are another beautiful aspect of its culture. Traditional dance forms vary from region to region. Kandyan dancing originating from the central province of the country, is often regarded to be the most magnificent and alluring picture of them all. Traditional drums play a major role in the performing arts.
It is quite significant that similar to most agricultural societies, a vibrant culture has developed around tea planting communities dispersed around the country.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Caleb Falcon ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy.