histoy G-10 E

provided much assistance for their welfare and
protection.
Our citizens used to work amicably not only
with the Tamils, but also with the Arabs who
were Muslims. The Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
mountain, which was consecrated with the
touch of the foot of the Lord Buddha, is a sacred
epitome of the Buddhists of this country. From
the 9th century it was worshipped by the Muslims
based on the belief that it is the Adam’s Peak. It
has been recorded that in 850 A.D. a merchant
and a traveller called ‘Sulaiman’ had arrived to
worship Sri Pada. None of them were disturbed
by the government or the citizens. Therefore, Sri
Pada is venerated by all four religions.

In the ancient time, the rulers and the citizens of
this country often thought how they could work
with all with co-existence for the betterment of
the country. Every occasion when the protection
of the stability of Buddhism and the unity of the
country were not threatened, that co-existence
was well preserved. We should always remember
that the way the Sinhala Buddhist people, who
lived in this country, acted to tolerate other
nationals and religions is exemplary.

Activity 1

Write an article to a newspaper including the
administrative organization of the ancient
society of Sri Lanka, religion, and literature.

Activity 2

Make a booklet including questions and answers
on the ancient society of Sri Lanka.

Important Facts

The ruling affairs in ancient Sri Lanka were

done by three institutions namely executive,

legislature, and judiciary. The king and the

public officers acted on behalf of the king

belonged to the executive. The king’s court made

decisions through discussions.

 Our ancient rulers always followed a flexible

foreign policy.

 There lived people who were engaged in

different professions in our ancient society. All

of them made a great contribution to the society

to make it more efficient and make the people’s

lives easier through that.

 From ancient time agriculture and animal

husbandry was the main livelihood of the

majority of people in this country.

 Ancient Sri Lankans had a high level of

aesthetic and literary appreciation. There are

evidences to prove that their creative ability and

talents were at a high level.

 Buddhism in this country in ancient time

was a profound philosophy and also it included

various activities which reflected people’s faith

and piety. There was a mutual, intimate and

respectable relationship with the Buddhist

monks and people.

 Apart from Buddhism, other religious

thoughts too spread in the society in this country

from time to time. Based on the facts such as Sri

Lanka was an island and participated actively

in the trade affairs in the Indian Ocean, other

religious thoughts spread in this country.

 Living mutually with other ethnic groups

belonging to other cultures was a special

characteristic in the history of our country.