Sinhalese in Colombo
Overview
Sinhalese Community in Colombo
Being the main ethnic group in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese community is spread over most parts of Colombo. The Sinhalese community basically follows two faiths. There are the Sinhala Buddhists and then there are the Sinhala Christians and as such, the Sinhala Buddhists in this community celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April and Wesak in May while the Sinhala Christians celebrate Christmas in December
The Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo 2, the Kotte Naga Viaharaya and Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya are some of the most popular Buddhist places of worship while St. Anthony’s Church Kochchikade, All Saint’s Church Borella and St. Lucia’s Church in Kotahena are some of the biggest churches in Colombo.
More Info
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Situated 10km away from the heart of Colombo is the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. The ancient chronicle ‘Mahavamsa’ states that on the eighth year following enlightenment; the Buddha visited Kelaniya with 500 Bikkhus (Monks) on the invitation of King Maniakkhikha to preach the dhamma.
More..