Many Hindus argue that the ninth avatar of Vishnu is Buddha. But hardly any Hindus know about how Vishnu is a guardian-god in the Buddhist faith in Sri Lanka. As per Buddhist mythology, many Buddhas including Gautama Buddha have visited Sri Lanka in the past. This makes Sri Lanka an important centre of Buddha-shasan (Buddhist culture). From there, the Theravada school of Buddhism travelled to Southeast Asia. 

In Sri Lanka, Gautama Buddha is the primary source of dhamma, and provides liberation (nibbana) to all beings. His culture is defended by four beings: Natha, Pattini, Kataragama and Vishnu. These guardians satisfy the material needs of local people—providing protection from diseases and demons, and bestowing prosperity. These guardians belong to rival faiths and by making them part of, but subservient to, Buddhism, peace was maintained in Sri Lanka between diverse communities. It is said that these guardians will be Buddhas in the future.