According to the 1915 census, Hindus made up about 25% of the Sri Lankan population (including indentured labourers brought by the British).

[4] Hinduism predominates in the Northern and Eastern Provinces (where Tamils remain the largest demographic), the central regions and Colombo, the capital.

Sri Lanka is home to the five abodes of Shiva: Pancha Ishwarams, holy places believed to have been built by King Ravana.

The throne of Lanka was usurped by Kubera's half-brother Ravana, the epic's chief antagonist, who was killed by Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu.

Many believers see the chain of sandbar, connecting Sri Lanka to India in satellite images, as remnants of the bridge.

Archaeological evidence supports the worship of Shiva in parts of Sri Lanka since prehistoric times, before the arrival of the legendary Prince Vijaya.

[21] Activity from across the Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu set the stage for Hinduism's survival in Sri Lanka.

[23] These rituals have also influenced the Sinhalese on southern cost of the island; For an Instance, the inhabitants of Tangalle, Kudawella and the surrounding area perform Kavadi.

[35] Mainly because of the indentured labourers brought by the British returning to India and immigration of Tamil Hindus caused by the Sri Lankan Civil War between 23 Jul 1983 – 18 May 2009.