Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka) was known in ancient times as Shizi or Sinhala. During the 15th century, it was a renowned trade and distribution center, as well as an important staging area for transoceanic voyages. Ceylon was a famous center of Buddhism, with a large Buddhist population and numerous Buddhist temples throughout the country. Ceylon's ancient Buddhist heritage was of great importance to its people. Zheng He and his entourage had a deep respect for the teachings of Gautama Buddha, and hoped to obtain the Buddha's protection for their voyage. Upon arriving in Ceylon, they made generous offerings of incense and gifts, held Buddhist ceremonies, and contributed funds to construct a Buddhist temple.

　　Zheng He's Buddhist activities greatly enhanced the friendship between China and Ceylon, establishing a strong foundation for future diplomatic exchange. Furthermore, Ceylon's Buddhist temples were gathering points for pilgrims, merchants, and emissaries from many different countries. The magnificent ceremonies conducted by Zheng He's delegations demonstrated to believers from around the world the piety and devotion of China's Buddhists, further increasing China's influence abroad.

　　Zheng He erected a memorial stele in Ceylon that can still be seen at the National Museum of Sri Lanka. The tablet, inscribed in Chinese, Tamil, and Persian, is a valuable expression of the historic friendship between the people of China and Sri Lanka.