The mission sent by the Indian emperor, Ashoka, in 246 BC established Buddhism as the dominant religion in Sri Lanka, remaining so to the present day. Sri Lanka has also been a source of its further spread into South-East Asia.
The many monasteries, housing 50,000-60,000 monks and nuns, located around the outskirts of Anuradhapura give a good picture of life in these establishments. Each monastery had a number of rectangular halls in which the monks lived.
Around a central courtyard were arranged individual cells in which the monk could sleep or meditate, furnished simply with a bed, a chair, essential bedding and a few personal possessions such as clothing and perhaps a toothbrush.
The generosity of rulers and private donors ensured that the monks' needs were well provided for. Within the precincts of each monastery was a refectory hall, its main feature an enormous trough in which rice was served daily.
The complex was centred on a major stupa (commemorative mound), enshrining Buddhist relics. Many other facilities were included within the fenced confines of the monastery: pillared halls for preaching and debate, a hospital, storerooms, bathing places and privies, the latter lavishly decorated.
