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| d. Ceylon (Sri Lanka) |
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| Ceylon traditionally received Buddhism from Ashoka under | 1 |
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| ?247–?207 B.C.E |
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| Devanampiya Tissa, who founded the Mahavihara or Great Monastery at his capital Anuradhapura. The Pali Tripitaka, which reflects Theravadin tradition, was written under | 2 |
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| 89 B.C.E.–40 C.E. or 29 B.C.E.–?17 C.E |
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| Vattagamani, who founded the rival Abhayagiri Monastery. His epoch is supported by the geography (c. 90–200 C.E.) of the Mahaniddesa, a commentary admitted late to the Canon. | 3 |
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| 412–434 |
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| Mahanaman, Buddhaghosha of Magadha, author of the Visuddhimagga or “Way of Purity,” recorded in Pali Singhalese traditions. (See Ceylon) | 4 |
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