The recorded history of Sri Lanka began when Buddhism gave birth to a cultural revelution more than 2500 years ago. It was at Mihintale, 12km from Anuradhapura which was itself founded in the 5th century BC, that Buddhism was first introduced to the island. Anuradhapura is venerated as the capital city of Buddhism .

The sacred Bo tree, grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightment, is the oldest living tree in documented history.