Routledge Nation, Constitutionalism and Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Explore a fresh perspective on the complex debates surrounding Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism in Sri Lanka. This academic work by de Silva Wijeyeratne examines the evolution of Sinhalese Buddhism and its relationship with the state. By looking at the period before engagement with the British colonial state, the text reveals how religious practices functioned within a specific cosmological frame. The book provides a deep analysis of how these practices facilitated the inclusion and exclusion of different people and concepts. By juxtaposing premodern traditions against the backdrop of colonial modernity, readers gain a better understanding of the historical forces that shaped contemporary Sri Lankan identity. This title is an essential resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in South Asian politics, law, and religious history.