The island of Sri Lanka was colonized by Aryans from northern India in the 4th century BC – long before the Aryans and their culture had penetrated into the peninsula of the sub-continent.
The settlers came in large numbers, overcoming or absorbing the settled societies they found there. The most powerful of these newcomers were the Sinhalese clan, who, during the 3rd century, founded a kingdom which soon grew to dominate the island.
In the mid-3rd century a Buddhist mission arrived from the emperor Asoka –according to legend it was led by one of Asoka’s son – and was welcomed by the Sinhalese from the king downwards. With remarkable rapidity the new religion has become established throughout the island.
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