Page 12 - Peoples_Journal_Sri_Lanka

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ISSN 3121-3049
People's Journal Sri Lanka Volume 01, Issue 01

1. Introduction

Rituals in Sri Lankan tradition are structured and symbolic actions performed
during religious, cultural, or social ceremonies, often embodying spiritual
beliefs and communal values. From a contemporary or external viewpoint,
modern society may appear to exhibit diminished faith in traditional rituals.
This research is motivated by a desire to investigate the reality behind such
perceptions. Rural areas have been specifically selected for this study due to
the persistence of strong ritualistic beliefs among the elderly population,
providing an opportunity to examine whether these beliefs have been
transmitted to the younger generation. The research problem focuses on
assessing the extent to which the youth in rural communities maintain a
belief in traditional rituals. The primary objective is to evaluate the current
status of beliefs in traditional rituals among rural youth. The specific
objectives include comparing the beliefs of the older generation with those of
the younger generation, identifying the customs and beliefs prevalent within
the community, and determining the impact of these rituals on societal
dynamics. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of
the contemporary perspectives on traditional rituals among rural youth.

2. Methodology

The study area for this research is the Wathogala Grama Niladhari Division,
which falls under the jurisdiction of the Yakkalamulla Divisional Secretariat
in the Galle District of Sri Lanka. The target population consisted of
individuals aged between 20 and 30 years. From this group, a sample of 10
individuals was selected randomly to participate in the study, following a
case study approach. The sample included six women and four men,
providing a gender-balanced perspective on the topic. This research
specifically focused on the marriage rituals practiced in rural communities,
as these ceremonies represent a significant aspect of traditional cultural
expression. Data were collected through qualitative methods and analyzed
using thematic analysis for an in-depth exploration of beliefs and perceptions
of the participants regarding traditional marriage rituals.

3. Findings

An analysis of participant responses reveals a nuanced relationship between
the younger generation and traditional rituals, particularly in the context of
marriage. While modern youth increasingly rely on scientific reasoning and