The earliest established Kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka that was associated with the Sinhalese people was the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Buddhism had a significant impact on the Anuradhapura period culture, legislation and administrative structures. The introduction of the faith during the reign of Kind Devananpiya Tissa transformed society and culture, this cultural change was further bolstered by the advent of the Buddha’s tooth relic in Sri Lanka and the support shown by its leaders. This book covers significant facets of this era including pre-Buddhist Ceylon, the Indian background of the development, the establishment of Buddhism and its role in the State as well as monastic life.