The article discusses the stages of cultural contacts between Russia and Ceylon / Sri Lanka in the XIX–XXI centuries. Interest in the culture of Ceylon was formed by the eff orts of Russian scientists and writers in the late XIX — early XX century. Aft er the establishment of diplomatic relations (1958), thousands of Sri Lankan students were educated at universities in the USSR / Russia. Sinhalese-Russian families take place. In the 1990s a small Sri Lankan diaspora was started in Russia. Th ere is an increase in attention to Russia of Sri Lankan Buddhist religious fi gures.