Homosexuality in Sri Lanka consists of males who have homosexual sex with other males on the island-state of Sri Lanka. It also references the history of homosexual sex on the island during its history as Ceylon and as part of various continental kingdoms during pre-colonial times. Human rights and legalities Penal Code The sections 365 and 365A proscribe that any unnatural offences or acts of gross indecency between persons should be punished with "rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years and not exceeding twenty years with a fine and compensation". Vagrants Ordinance The section 07 of 1841 criminalizes soliciting and acts of indecency in public places, with a punishment of no more than six months and a fine of 100 rupees. History Homosexuality has been in literature and artwork for several thousands of years. It is thought that homosexual sex was not looked down upon until the 16th century with the arrival of missionaries from Europe who promoted their religious values that forbade homosexual sex and eventually imposed laws criminalizing homosexual sex under colonialism. Efforts during the post-colonial era to support sexual minorities increased in the 21st century. Lanka The concept of homosexuality was widely known in the prevailing Hindu culture by the time the Buddha founded his philosophies. The monastic discipline explicitly contained homosexual sex alongside a variety of prohibitions against heterosexual sex, and it also explicitly stated that these rules were to only be applied to monks and not the lay people. It is notable that masturbation is not considered a serious offense by the order. Homosexuality was also not criminalized nor marginalized during the pre-colonial times of the island. The traditional legal codes of Lanka did not criminalize sexual minorities or actively discriminate against homosexuals. In the 5th century of the Christian calendar, the monk Buddhaghosa attempted to explain what was in his scriptures to Buddhist lay people. Other records simply stay silent on the subject; for example, the Upāsakajanalankara, a guide for lay people written in the 14th century of the Christian calendar, discusses sexual misconduct in depth but makes no mention of homosexual sex. The Tripitaka does, however, contain passing references to homosexuality and transsexuality. For example, homosexuality is found in the case of a monk, called Wakkali, who became a monk because he was so attracted to how handsome Buddha was. There is also a case where a novice monk masturbated