when was buddhism introduced in sri lanka who introduced it
Buddhism in Sri Lanka According to traditional Sri Lankan chronicles, such as the Dipavamsa, Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka in the third century BCE after the Third Buddhist council by Mahinda Bhikkhu, son of Emperor Ashoka, during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura. At the time of Mahinda arrival, he brought a sapling of the Bodhi Tree(where Lord Buddha was enlightened) to Sri Lanka and the first Buddhist monastery ,monuments and monk were introduced Among these, the Isurumuniya and the Vessagiriya remain important centers of worship. He is also credited with the construction of the Pathamaka cetiya, the Jambukola vihāra and the Hatthālhaka vihāra and the refectory. The Pali Canon, having previously been preserved as an oral tradition, was first converted into writing in Sri Lanka around 30 BCE. Along with Mahinda came his sibling Sanghamitra. Who is also important as Mahinda.She gave the nun ordinace to women devotees.