Sinhalese

Abstract

SINHALESE PEOPLE CAME to Australia from Sri Lanka directly or from a second country such as England, the United States, Singapore, or New Zealand. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island with a sub-tropical climate, located on the south-eastern tip of India. Buddhism is the main religion there, embodying an analysis and beliefs about life, death and rebirth. Sinhalese are Buddhists who speak the Sinhala language; these being the two main elements of Sinhalese culture. A minority of the Sinhalese population follow Christianity in Sri Lanka and Australia. In a sub-continent where other religions such as Hinduism and Islam dominate, the Sinhalese have continued to follow and protect Buddhism against many odds throughout the history of the island. About 77 per cent of Sri Lanka's current population are Sinhalese, and 69.3 per cent are Buddhists.