The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many incidents in the past. Pre historic evidence says people were in Stone Age. But present culture founded in 5th century B.C according to Mahawansa (grater chronicle). The Indian prince Vijaya based Indian civilization to the island. But in 3rd century B.C. Buddhism introduced and began Theravada Sinhala Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. Several times south Indians were invaded the island or plantation workers a Tamil population is with their language. The Muslims came here as traders and they also speak Tamil.
King Devanmpiyatissa was the 1st Buddhist king of the country. He converted himself to Buddhism at Mihintale. Now its with valuable monuments to visit. The first king offered Mahamevna garden in Anuradhapura which now the foundation land of main archeological sites. Ruwanvali Dagaba built in 2nd Century B.C. and Abayagiriya complex built in 1st Century B.C. while Jethawanaya complex in 5th century A.D. at there.
The 8th wonder of the world Sigiriya built by king Kashapa in 4th century A.D. The kingdom sifted to Polonnaruwa in 11 century A.D. It is another ancient city. Well known Gal Viharaya, Ancient city complex, Parakrama Samudraya Lake is also there.The temporary kingdoms of Yapahuwa and Kurunegala are also with some monuments. Dambulla cave temple is a masterpiece of the cave temples out of more than hundreds of Sri Lanka built in 1st century B.C. Kandy city founded in 15 century A.D. Around Kandy city has Western shrines of Gadaladeniya, Embakke and Lankathilaka as well as Eastern shrines of Gangaramaya, Galmaduwa and Degaldoruwa. Kandy city, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya now under the project of culture triangle belong to ministry of national heritage.
Seven properties of Sri Lanka have been inscribed in the UNISCO world heritage sites, namely, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (1982), the ancient city of Sigiriya (1982), the Golden Temple of Dambulla (1991), the old town of Galle and its fortifications (1988), the sacred city of Anuradhapura (1982), the sacred city of Kandy (1988) and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988). Six of the worlds heritage sites of the country are cultural.
The European invaders of Portuguese, Dutch, and English influenced much for the culture of the country. Language, religion, dress, some habits are for example. Monuments like Dutch fortress of Galle, churches in the country symbolize western influence.
Sri Lanka has three main dancing categories. Low country dance, Sabaragamuwa dance and Kandyan dance. This dancing is exhibit annually at the Kandy Asala Perahara or the cultural show at the streets of Kandy city with elephants in month of August. Sri Lanka Trekking organize two night and three days tour to culture triangle.