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

observations, these rituals are considered essential across villages and are
uniformly performed with attention to prescribed timing and auspiciousness.
Interestingly, while members of the younger generation may outwardly
express skepticism or indifference toward traditional customs, their actions
suggest an underlying reverence or belief in the efficacy of these practices.
This dissonance between public expression and private belief reflects a
complex negotiation between modern identity and inherited cultural values.
Despite the rise of secular and modernist discourses, traditional marriage
rituals continue to be embraced, consciously or unconsciously, as integral
components of rural social and spiritual life.

4. Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the enduring role of traditional rituals in
shaping contemporary marriage practices, particularly within rural
communities, while also exerting a notable influence in certain urban
contexts. Despite the increasing exposure to modern ideologies and
rationalist perspectives, traditional marriage customs remain deeply
embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Sri Lankan society. The
continuation of these practices can be attributed to a combination of factors,
including religious devotion, the influence of family and community, the
intergenerational transmission of values, and long-standing cultural habits.

Although some elements of these rituals are subject to scrutiny by the
younger generation—who are more inclined to question practices through
the lens of individual autonomy and modern worldviews—there remains a
significant degree of respect and adherence to tradition. This reflects a
complex interplay between change and continuity, where young individuals
often navigate between embracing modern ideals and maintaining cultural
heritage.

The qualitative data gathered through this study indicate that traditional
marriage rituals continue to shape not only personal choices but also broader
social expectations. These rituals serve as markers of identity, social
belonging, and community cohesion, particularly in rural areas where
cultural norms remain strong. Given the depth of their socio-cultural
significance and the reinforcement they receive through familial and
religious structures, it is unlikely that such practices will be entirely
abandoned in the near future. Instead, they may continue to evolve, adapting