The Sinhalese are an ethnic group primarily found in Sri Lanka, where they make up about 75% of the population. They speak the Sinhalese language, which is an Indo-Aryan language derived from ancient languages. The Sinhalese have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. Historically, the Sinhalese trace their ancestry to settlers from northern India around the 6th century BCE. They have played a significant role in the development of Sri Lankan civilization, particularly in the fields of agriculture, architecture, and Buddhism, which is the predominant religion among them.