Abstract:
Beliefs are the most potent influence on behavior of their adherents. Kataragama inhabitant s
lifestyle is deeply rooted in the cult of God Skandhakumara. Numerous social problems were
identified in Kataragama such as teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, child labour and prostitution.
Anthropological investigations revealed that social problems are ingrained in their daily lives, as
they justified as normal occurrences. Therefore, this study investigated why Kataragama residents
justify their existential lifestyles, which foster deviant behaviors as part of their daily lives. Near
Kataragama shrine, ethnomethodological research including 50 in-depth interviews were conducted
in Gothameegama and Nagahaveediya villages. Data was analyzed thematically and narratively.
Certain harmful behaviors are recognized as normal and a part of daily life. The belief in the god
Skandhakumara has transformed into a commercial commodity. Kataragama dwellers tend to foster
an irreligious market landscape, which contradicts accepted religious principles. Their primary
source of income is a faith-based economic organization, their cognitive orientation coincides with
the connection between religious faith and its market value. These belief systems, rituals and totems
create a cult that obscures the economic process within, indirectly fostering social issues. Overall,
faith commercialization and the commodification of religious values reshape the cognitive
orientation of peasants; promote culturally justifiable but socially unhealthy behaviors. Thus, the
Kataragama shrine is viewed as a place of worship, but a cult that influences the behavior of those
who depend on the market value of the Kataragama faith.
