This article aims to discuss a brief historical setting of mosques in Sri Lanka and then to provide a detailed
portrait of basic characteristics of these mosques. The historical overview of the mosque covers from early times
to the present day. Therefore, in order to collect evidence and proper documents, the textual records and oral
traditions are examined. The quantitative data to identify the basic characteristics of the mosques in Sri Lanka
and qualitative approaches to interpret the findings are handled as methods. Beside the history, attempts are
made to explain the distribution of the mosques and its affiliations. It is interesting to find that mosque in Sri
Lanka has played an important role in the life of Muslim as a minority community. Mosques are found in a major
cities, small town and villages where Muslims are living as community. Every mosque is affiliated with a
madhhab (sect) or Islamic movement and seems to accomplish religious, social and cultural objectives.