An Analysis of the Historical Influence of Religion on Governance in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A range of various examples found all over the world provide with substantial evident that, since prehistoric era to modern day, "religion” has functioned both as an influence on the functions of political authorities as well as a tool used by political authorities to fulfill different political agendas and objectives. This paper intends to study, in a historical point of view, how religion has influenced and shaped Sri Lankan politics and governance. The scope of the study encompasses the relationship between religion and politics, the effect of religion on politics, whether Sri Lanka has remained a secular state in history and effects of majority religion on politics. The data collection process has depends mainly on secondary sources for data and information; primarily historical sources.