Cultural Borrowing and Religious Transformation: Yakkure and Henanigala Vedda Syncretism with Buddhism

The Vedda, recognized as the indigenous people of Sri Lanka, originally practiced a religious belief system centered around Na Yakku. However, development projects initiated during the late 90s, forced them to resettle, and create a process of cultural erosion and the syncretism of Sinhalese Buddhist and Hindu practices into their life. This research aimed to examine the extent of religious borrowing and syncretism with Buddhist practices and its impact on the Vedda people's entire socio-cultural system, as well as efforts that can be undertaken toward cultural preservation and restoration. The research problem addressed in this study is how external pressures, particularly resettlement, led to a decline in the Vedda’s unique religious belief system. Data collection was done through interviews, life-histories, focus group discussions, and participant observations that were conducted at Yakkure and Henanigala Vedda villages. In addition, sociodemographic data were collected from 193 families in Henanigala and 107 families in Yakkure through a questionnaire. Qualitative insights gathered were analyzed using thematic analysis, and quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS. Results reveal that resettlement caused significant disruption to the Vedda's traditional way of life, with extensive borrowing and adoption of Buddhist and Hindu practices, leading to extensive damage to their cultural system. While all the people of Yakkure identify their ethnicity as Sinhalese, only 41% of Henanigala residents identify as Vedi. Notably, both villages identify as Buddhist. The sudden resettlement into a new sociocultural location forced them to adopt ways of life from their neighbors, as there was insufficient time for natural adaptation. The forest-based Na Yak belief system, once central to their culture, was disturbed due to the resettlement. While rituals such as Bodhi Puja and almsgiving centered around Buddhist practices now dominate their religious life, remnants of traditional rituals like the Kiri Koraha and Hathma dances are rarely performed, often only as exhibitions. In conclusion, the Vedda communities of Yakkure and Henanigala have undergone profound cultural and religious transformations due to forced resettlement. These changes have led to the assimilation of Sinhalese Buddhist and Hindu practices, resulting in the erosion of their indigenous religious identity. The study highlights the urgent need for documenting and preserving Vedda culture and advocating for land rights to safeguard their traditions.