The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by the heritage of Buddhism passed on from India, and the religion's legacy is particularly strong in Southern and central regions. South Indian cultural influences are common in the northernmost regions of the country. Colonial occupation of Portuguese, Dutch and British also has made an impact on the various traditional facts of Sri Lankan culture. Sri Lanka's current population is predominantly Sinhalese with sizable Sri Lankan Moor, Sri Lankan Tamil, and Indian Tamil minorities.
Embracing indigenous medicine known as Ayurveda, fine arts, which include dance, music and visual arts, spices and tea, and even sports, the country comprises of rich and artistic traditions. Some of the ancient arts such as the carvings found in the cultural triangle have been influenced by south India. Apart from that, much of the arts and crafts have been influenced by the islands long and rooted Buddhist culture. One of the most notable aspects of the island's art are the cave and temple paintings located in Sigiriya, Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth located in Kandy.
Buddhism, which took root in this pristine isle in 300 BC, and the Portuguese who colonized the country in the 15th century have mainly influenced Sri Lanka architecture. Sri Lankan cuisine comprises of rice, which is the staple food of the island, and richly cooked curries. Chilies, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, dill, and cumin are commonly used spices. Sri Lankan tea, which took root in the 1600s, has had much influence on the islands culture as it goes hand in hand with hospitality; a cup of tea is the first things offered to any guest who enters a Sri Lankan home. One of the island main passions is cricket. The island hails a world- class cricket team, with international matches constantly been hosted in the island, it is an addition to the face the islands culture.
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