Sri Lanka looks back on over 3,000 years of documented history. From the first Sinhalese kingdoms to the arrival of Buddhism to colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the island has developed a fascinating cultural diversity.
The ancient royal cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the Lion Rock Sigiriya and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy bear witness to the impressive past of this island. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites make Sri Lanka one of the most culturally rich countries in South Asia.
