Foreign references to ancient and medieval Sri Lanka
Foreign writings on Sri Lanka are an important source for information on ancient Sri Lanka. There are many Greek and Roman references to Sri Lanka. These are largely based on the Greek experiences in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka was mentioned by Onescritus (4 Century BC) and Megasthenes (3 Century BC,) Onescritus was a pilot attached to the navy of Alexander the Great. Megasthenes was an ambassador attached to the Maurya court.