It is also worth noting the existence of minority creoles and distinct dialects. The Sri Lankan Malay community, descendants of Southeast Asian soldiers and exiles, historically spoke a creole based on Malay, though this is now endangered. Similarly, the Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole, once a lingua franca during the Portuguese colonial period, survives only in small pockets of the Burgher community.
The most widely spoken language, used by approximately 75% of the population. It is an Indo-Aryan language with its own unique script.
