Illustration 4.2. The Bhikkus stayed in the cave monasteries, offered by the Buddhist followers and devotees, from early
time of the introduction of Buddhism to this country. Temples and shrines were constructed much later.
clear idea that dancing had been considered as an
important occupation in the society. The words
‘Chithakara’ and ‘Lapana’ were used to introduce
the painters. The first name had derived from the
word ‘Chithrakara’ and the second had derived
from the word ‘Lepana’. In Sanskrit language
the word ‘Lepana’ is used to give the meaning
‘applying’. Since applying colours create paints,
the word ‘Lepana’ had been used to name the
painters. In an inscription in the place named
Nattukanda, there is a reference to a person
called ‘Lapana Tissa’.In our country there were highly talented poets.
The word ‘Kavi’ itself had been used to name
them. The son of above mentioned Lapana
Tissa had been introduced as a poet in the same
inscription. His name was Sanjaya.4.3 Culture
4.3.1 ReligionFrom the time when Arahath Mahinda Thero
arrived here in the 3rd century B.C and preached
Buddhism, it had continually been the main
religion of this country. Apart from this, with
the arrival of Indian traders and others from
India, Hindu religion too spread in this country.
Christian religion and Islamic religion were
introduced to Sri Lanka at recent times when it
is compared to the spread of Buddhism. It was as
a result of spread of trade in the Mediterranean
region after the 6th century A.D. and in Western
countries centered trade after the 16th century
A.D. in Eastern countries.Soon after the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thero
and his followers, Buddhism and the rituals
related to it spread rapidly in the society of this
country. As there were no suitable monasteries
for the daily increasing number of Bhikkus to