In the 3rd century BC, Sri Lanka had no religion. In this period, Buddhism in India had also been under threat.
So, the mighty Indian Emperor Ashoka’s son Arahath Mahinda and a group came to Sri Lanka with Theravada Buddhism during the reign of king Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura.
They arrived in Minhintale. King Devanampiyatissa, was on a deer hunt. Arahath Mahinda addressing the king with a stanza announced his arrival from India.
After a brief conversation, Arahath Mahinda delivered the ‘Chullahaththi padopama’ Sutra to King Devanampiyatissa. The king understood what Buddhism is and observed all the five precepts. He stopped sinful activities. After this, Buddhism was established in Sri Lanka.
Dinugi Vihansie,
Cambridge 5,
Yashida Shokanji International School.