The Muslim community arrived in Sri Lanka around the 10th century. From then on they settled in the west and south coasts of the island where they constructed the main edifices and mosques that today, dominate this coastline with modern richness and ornamentation. A very few that retain historical features are the mosques at Kalpitiya, Devatagaha and Beruwala. Mosques serve as locations for group prayer, vigils, funerals, Sufi ceremonies, marriages, business agreements, alms collection & distribution, as well as homeless shelters.

The mosque was additionally used as important centres of elementary and advanced training education in religious sciences. Today apart from ceremonies, only matters of religious instruction and debate may be conducted in a mosque.