Buddhism in Sri Lanka .. read the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka Buddhism in Sri Lanka has a very long and exciting history. Popular Buddhist traditions, historical source both literacy and epigraphically prove the fact that the missionary who brought Buddhism to the island of Lanka was no other than the Thera Mahinda. Mahavansa, the main literary source of the early history of Sri Lanka gives us an authentic account of the three Buddhists councils held in India – first just after the Parinibbana of Buddha and the advent of Buddhism to Ceylon. Some inscriptions found in Dambulla caves recording grants to the Sangha has used the Brahani Scripts from which the Sinhala alphabet evolved. Archaeological sources revealing the creative talents of the Sinhala artists of yore, magnificent structures as dagabas, monasteries, uposatha (Sanga Kamma) halls not only prove the creativity of one of ancient artists but also a highly developed culture behind it which blossomed after the coming of Buddhism. Names such as Mihintale Maha Guhava etc. commemorate the name of the great Thera Mahinda forever as the founder of Buddhism in Sri Lanka .