Buddhism & Culture — Guardians of the Dharma

The Govigama community has been the primary custodian of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka for over 2,300 years — building temples, establishing monastic orders, and preserving the Pali Canon.

The Arrival of Buddhism

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, arrived at Mihintale and converted King Devanampiya Tissa. From that moment, Buddhism became inseparable from Sinhalese identity, and the Govigama — as the largest community — became its primary supporters and protectors.

The great monasteries of Anuradhapura — Maha Vihara, Abhayagiri, and Jetavana — were all sustained by the agricultural surplus produced by Govigama cultivators. The Sangha (Buddhist monastic order) depended on the lay community for food, shelter, and support, and the Govigama fulfilled this role with devotion.

The Siyam Nikaya — A Govigama Achievement

One of the most significant chapters in Govigama religious history is the establishment of the Siyam Nikaya (Siamese Fraternity) in 1753. By the 18th century, the Buddhist monastic tradition in Sri Lanka had nearly collapsed due to centuries of colonial persecution and internal decline.

Weliwita Saranankara Sangharaja Thero (1698–1778), born as Kulatunge Bandara in the village of Weliwita, Kandy, spearheaded a Buddhist revival. Key achievements:

• Established the Silvath Samagama — a pious group committed to strict monastic discipline
• Convinced King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe to send missions to Siam (Thailand) to restore the higher ordination (Upasampada)
• In 1753, Siamese monks arrived and re-established the ordination lineage, creating the Siyam Nikaya
• Was appointed the first Sangharaja (Supreme Patriarch) of the revived order
• Authored important Pali and Sinhala literary works including Munigunalankaraya and Sarartha Sangrahaya
• Established pirivenas (monastic schools) to educate monks

The Siyam Nikaya became the most influential Buddhist order in Sri Lanka and remains the largest monastic fraternity today. It maintained a close connection to the Govigama community, with ordination traditionally being limited to members of the community.

Temple Building Tradition

The Govigama community has been responsible for the construction and maintenance of thousands of Buddhist temples across Sri Lanka. The tradition of Dana (giving) and Pinkama (meritorious deeds) is deeply embedded in Govigama culture. Notable temples built or patronized by Govigama families include temples throughout the Kandyan highlands, the Central Province, and the Southern Province.

Anagarika Dharmapala and the Modern Buddhist Revival

Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933), born Don David Hewavitharane, was one of the most important figures in the modern Buddhist revival. While he was primarily known for founding the Maha Bodhi Society and campaigning for the restoration of Buddhist sites in India (particularly Bodh Gaya), his work also galvanized Buddhist identity and pride among Sinhalese communities.

Cultural Traditions

The Govigama community has preserved numerous cultural traditions:

• Kandyan Dance (Uda Rata Natum) — The classical dance tradition of the Kandyan highlands
• Perahera — The grand Buddhist procession, particularly the Esala Perahera of Kandy
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda) — Agricultural new year celebrations
• Vesak — The celebration of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing
• Traditional Medicine (Deshiya Chikitsa) — Ayurvedic and indigenous healing traditions
• Arts and Craftsmanship — Woodcarving, brass work, weaving, and pottery