There are several factors that affect the Sri Lankan culture and tradition. Its ancient history and its ancient Buddhist heritage play a pivotal role in the existence of its current tradition and culture. Besides Buddhism Srilanka also has a lot of South Indian Influence in many of its traditions, religions and festivals. Srilanka in many ways is a secular and multi-cultural country. Besides Buddhism and South Indian traditions Srilanka also has a lot of influence due to the colonization by the Dutch, Portuguese and British. It is not a surprise that Sri Lankan culture and tradition attracts a lot of European travelers and tourists round the year.
Srilankas cuisines, festivals, sports, performing arts, visual arts and more all showcase a lot about Srilanka and give you a guideline on what to expect from your visit to this beautiful island country. Across the globe Srilanka is popular as a traveler’s destination mainly for its picturesque places, cricket, holistic treatments and therapies, food and multiple religions.
Art and architecture
The architectural style and form of Srilankan structures display the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans of the ancient times.There forms and styles are extremely diverse and rich and most of them were developed in Europe and Asia hence showcasing a major European and Asian influence in their structural pieces.
Besides the architectural galore the art forms that exist in Srilanka are inspired mostly from the long lasting Buddhist traditions and religious influence. The same is seen immensely in the paintings, sculpture and monuments. A major proportion of these influential Buddhist arts works can be seen in the cave and temples in the form of wall paintings and descriptions. Some of these Buddhist influenced art works can be seen in
- Frescoes at Sigiriya
- The religious paintings in the temples found in Dambulla
- Religious art works as seen in Temple of tooth relic in Kandy
Besides the paintings and art works there is a lot of handicraft work that also contribute to the artistic side of Srilanka.
- Traditional wooden handicrafts items,
- Clay pottery items,
- Portuguese inspired lace work
- Indonesian inspired batik work with intricate designs and drawings
All of the above stand out as Srilankas unique traditional art forms that leave a lasting impression on the visitors touring Srilanka.
Dance & Music- Srilnaka’sperforming arts
Performing arts in Srilanka also witnesses a major influence from Buddhism. However there are so many old and new art forms that have played a quintessential role in presenting Srilanka’s performing arts unique and different.
- Srilanka Kandyan dance is famous around theIndian Ocean region
- Surprisingly Srilanka main style of performance is majorly influenced by the Bollywood culture- Dancing and singing, foot tapping, hand clapping, head banging so on and so forth.
- Srilanka Music sees a lot of influence from Buddhism and Portuguese
- Traditional Srilankan music involves hypnotic Kandyan drums that are a part of music forms in both Hindu and Buddhist temples
- The Portuguese arrived at Srilanka in 15th century and brought along with them Ballads, Guitar, Candiga and ukulele
