By Palitha Ariyarathna

Synopsis:

Sri Lanka, strategically located at the crossroads of ancient global trade, flourished as an economically vibrant and culturally independent nation. Its ability to engage in cultural exchanges on its own terms ensured the preservation of its unique spiritual and cultural heritage. The island’s thriving civilization, led by its Mahārath—visionary leaders and scholars—and guided by Buddhist principles, exemplified self-reliance and harmony.

In this article, the profound cultural and philosophical depth of Sri Lanka explains why transformative figures like Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad may have focused their teachings elsewhere. Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace and its resistance to external religious ideologies highlighted its identity as a self-sustaining and spiritually enriched society. This argument serves as a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka’s enduring legacy, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural independence, fostering peace, and celebrating spiritual harmony. It calls upon humanity to draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s history in the pursuit of coexistence and global understanding.

Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the resilience and brilliance of a nation deeply rooted in its cultural, spiritual, and historical identity. Known to the ancient world as Taprobane, Sri Lanka gained recognition not just for its geographical beauty but also for its advanced civilization, self-reliance, and monumental achievements. From the era of King Devanampiya Tissa to King Aggabodhi I, Sri Lanka’s rulers prioritized the growth of Buddhism, non-violence, and intellectual development, making the island a beacon of spirituality and wisdom. The Mahārath—visionary leaders and scholars—stood as protectors of its philosophy, ensuring Sri Lanka’s identity remained unshaken by external influences. These principles are embodied in the architectural marvels such as the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and the Jetavanaramaya Stupa, one of the tallest man-made brick structures in the world, showcasing the ingenuity of the Sinhalese civilization.

The Great Stupas, such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, were not just architectural achievements but symbols of devotion and harmony. For instance, Jetavanaramaya, built during King Mahasena’s reign, stood at a towering height of 122 meters (400 feet), rivaling the grandest structures in the world, like Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza. These accomplishments highlight Sri Lanka’s commitment to its cultural and spiritual identity.

Sri Lanka’s mastery of ancient engineering is also reflected in the construction of Yodha Ela (Giant’s Canal), an incredible irrigation channel built during the 5th century CE. This canal, which stretches approximately 54 miles (87 kilometers), is notable for its exceptionally low gradient—about 10 centimeters per kilometer or 6 inches per mile. This engineering precision ensured a steady flow of water across vast distances without modern tools, demonstrating the ingenuity and skill of ancient Sinhalese engineers. Yodha Ela, which connects the Kala Wewa reservoir, another 5th-century marvel built by King Dhatusena, revolutionized agriculture in ancient Sri Lanka by supplying water to extensive farmlands. Together, these feats of engineering exemplify Sri Lanka’s ability to harmonize innovation with sustainability.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location positioned it as a key participant in ancient global trade networks, enabling the island to flourish economically while firmly preserving its unique identity. Cultural exchanges with other civilizations were conducted on its own terms, ensuring the continuity and protection of its spiritual and cultural heritage. This historical backdrop illuminates why figures like Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad, while transformative in their regions, did not focus on spreading their teachings to Sri Lanka. The island’s thriving civilization, guided by its Mahārath and philosophical depth, was a self-sustaining and harmonious society. Rooted in Buddhist principles and values of peace, Sri Lanka remained resistant to external religious ideologies.

Sri Lanka’s cultural innovation extended to music and games. The Ravanahatha, a one-stringed, bowed instrument, is considered the earliest ancestor of the violin and is associated with the legendary King Ravana. This ancient instrument symbolizes Sri Lanka’s ingenuity and its contributions to the global heritage of music. In addition, Sri Lanka has a strong tradition of sports and games that have influenced modern-day activities. Traditional games like Buhukeliya and Madukeliya are believed to have influenced the development of cricket, which later gained global popularity through British influence. These examples highlight the island’s cultural vitality and adaptability.

The Roman author Pliny the Elder was an unparalleled observer of global cultures, documenting them extensively in his Natural History. His reference to Sri Lankan ambassadors from the Anuradhapura Kingdom visiting the Roman Emperor Claudius in 52 CE has captivated historians worldwide. This account dispelled the Roman notion that societies beyond Europe were barbaric, showcasing that ancient Sri Lankans were just as advanced and civilized as their Roman counterparts. Pliny’s writings underscored the cultural and technological advancements of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, highlighting Sri Lanka’s influence and standing in ancient diplomacy. This global acknowledgment reflected the brilliance of the island’s governance, infrastructure, and trade networks.

Although geographically distant, the Anuradhapura Kingdom and Rome evolved along fascinatingly parallel trajectories. Both civilizations showcased remarkable technological achievements, but with different priorities—while Rome developed advanced naval fleets for conquest, Sri Lanka mastered hydraulic engineering to enhance life for its people. Despite external invasions, Sri Lanka, with its Mahārath, navigated challenges with resilience and adaptability, maintaining its autonomy for a period that surpassed Rome’s influence. This longevity highlighted Sri Lanka’s focus on cultivating harmony rather than domination.

Adding to its pride, Sri Lanka is home to breathtaking landmarks like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built by King Kashyapa (477–495 CE), which stands as both a defensive structure and a masterpiece of art and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an enduring symbol of the country’s creativity and ability to balance beauty with functionality.

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s geographical isolation, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, naturally limited the influence of foreign religious movements during their formative phases. Unlike regions that experienced the conquest-oriented expansions of new religions, Sri Lanka was shielded by both its physical location and its resilient philosophical framework. This spiritual and cultural autonomy allowed the island to evolve along its own unique path, safeguarding its identity and becoming a sanctuary for Buddhist teachings. Sri Lanka’s great kings also played a vital role in preserving this cultural and demographic integrity. Recognizing the impact of foreign settlers, these visionary rulers implemented specific laws to regulate external immigration and maintain harmony. For instance, in ancient Ceylon, foreign families were required to limit their number of children to one. Families exceeding this limit were subject to the Ulian tax,” which amounted to 10% of their monthly income and could be paid in goods, money, or by contributing to government-prescribed development work two days a week. Failure to comply with these requirements led to deportation. These policies reflect the wisdom of the kings in fostering a balanced society while mitigating external influences. This further highlights the profound spiritual richness and proactive governance of Sri Lanka during those times, positioning the island as a beacon of philosophical depth and harmony in a rapidly changing world.

The Anuradhapura Kingdom’s emphasis on innovation over conquest reflects a philosophy of coexistence and sustainability. Its global recognition during Pliny’s time juxtaposed with Rome’s militaristic ambitions offers a valuable lesson in prioritizing peace and prosperity. Sri Lanka’s story is one of self-reliance, resilience, and profound spiritual richness. The island’s refusal to adopt external religious doctrines associated with violence or conquest highlights its commitment to peace and harmony. Figures such as Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad, while transformative in their respective regions, may have seen no necessity to spread their ideologies to a land that already embodied supreme autonomy and spiritual depth.

Today, Sri Lanka’s legacy inspires the world to cherish cultural independence, celebrate spiritual harmony, and pursue global coexistence. Despite its peaceful philosophy, Sri Lanka has faced numerous invasions throughout history, primarily from neighboring regions and colonial powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The island also endured a prolonged and devastating civil conflict with the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), which marked one of the darkest chapters in its modern history.

It is crucial for Sinhala Buddhists to remain vigilant in safeguarding the cultural, economic, and security aspects of the Theravada Buddhist state. In the face of increasing international and political influences that aim to undermine Buddhism and Sinhala identity, proactive efforts are needed to preserve the unique heritage, values, and principles of the nation. By addressing these challenges with unity and foresight, the integrity of the Theravada Buddhist state and the identity of its people can be protected for future generations.

By Palitha Ariyarathna

Note: Geopolitical Analyst – On the Medin Full Moon Poya Day

3/13/2025

References:

1. JSTOR: Sri Lanka’s Ancient Governance Policies – Insights into cultural preservation and societal regulation. Source
2. Ceylon Watch: Addressing Refugee Challenges: Lessons from Ancient Ceylon and the Path Forward – Details on immigration laws and the Ulian tax. Source