What is the religion practiced in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, with 70% of the population practicing Theravāda Buddhism. Hinduism has nearly 3 million followers, mainly among the Tamil population, while 7% of the population has converted to Christianity. Islam and animism are minority religions.
Theravāda Buddhism, the dominant religion
70% of Sri Lankans practice theravāda Buddhism, the oldest form of Buddhism, unlike Mahayana practiced in other Asian countries. This religion deeply shapes daily life through the observance of fasting, lunar festivals and morning alms-giving to monks.
Other religious communities
- Hinduism: nearly 3 million practitioners, mainly from Tamil communities
- Christianity: 7% of the population converted
- Islam and animism: minority communities present on the island
Key takeaways
Sri Lanka remains a deeply religious country where theravāda Buddhism structures the majority society, while coexisting with significant Hindu, Christian and Muslim minorities that enrich the island's spiritual landscape.