Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country, with its population primarily comprising four main nationalities or ethnic groups. These groups have distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious identities, contributing to the country’s diverse cultural landscape.
1. Sinhalese
Population Proportion: Approximately 74% of the total population.
Language: Sinhalese (Sinhala), which is an Indo-Aryan language and one of the official languages of Sri Lanka.
Religion: Predominantly Theravāda Buddhists, though a minority practice Christianity.
Geographical Distribution: Mainly concentrated in the southern, western, central, and north-central parts of the country.
Cultural Influence: The Sinhalese have been the dominant cultural group, shaping Sri Lanka’s art, architecture, festivals, and governance. They are historically associated with the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy.
2. Tamils
Tamils in Sri Lanka are categorized into two groups based on their historical migration and settlement:
Sri Lankan Tamils
Population Proportion**: About 11% of the total population.
Language**: Tamil, a Dravidian language and an official language of Sri Lanka.
Religion**: Primarily Hindus, with minorities practicing Christianity.
Geographical Distribution**: Concentrated in the Northern and Eastern provinces, particularly in Jaffna.
Historical Significance**: The Sri Lankan Tamils are believed to have lived on the island for over 2,000 years, with roots in ancient Tamil kingdoms.
Indian Tamils (Hill Country Tamils)
Population Proportion**: About 4% of the total population.
Language**: Tamil.
Religion**: Predominantly Hindus, with some practicing Christianity.
Geographical Distribution**: Primarily in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, especially in tea plantation areas like Nuwara Eliya.
Historical Background**: Descendants of laborers brought by the British during the colonial period in the 19th and early 20th centuries to work on tea, coffee, and rubber plantations.
3. Moors
Population Proportion: Around 9% of the total population.
Language: Tamil is primarily spoken, with some using Sinhala and Arabic influences in their cultural practices.
Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni).
Geographical Distribution: Scattered across the country, with significant communities in the Eastern Province (e.g., Batticaloa and Ampara) and in urban areas like Colombo and Kandy.
Cultural Roots: The Moors trace their ancestry to Arab traders who settled on the island between the 8th and 15th centuries, and their culture is influenced by Arab traditions.
4. Burghers
Population Proportion**: Less than 1% of the total population.
Language**: English is predominantly spoken, with some using Sinhala or Tamil.
Religion**: Primarily Christians (Catholics and Protestants).
Geographical Distribution**: Mostly in urban areas like Colombo, Galle, and Negombo.
Historical Background**: The Burghers are descendants of European colonial settlers (mainly Portuguese, Dutch, and British) who intermarried with locals. They played a significant role during the colonial period, particularly in administration and trade.
5. Indigenous Vedda Community
Population Proportion**: Less than 1% of the total population.
Language**: Vedda dialect, influenced by Sinhala and Tamil.
Religion**: Traditionally animistic, worshiping nature spirits, with some Veddas integrating Buddhist or Hindu practices.
Geographical Distribution**: Primarily in the remote areas of the Eastern and Uva provinces.
Cultural Identity**: The Veddas are considered the original inhabitants of Sri Lanka, with a unique cultural heritage and lifestyle focused on hunting and gathering.