Sinhala-Tamil Intermarriage Practices and Their Impact on the Caste System in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

The caste concept is one of the components that demonstrates social differences. It has become an important factor in marriage. In societies where the caste system prevails, inter-caste marriages are valued. This study intended to explore Sinhala-Tamil intermarriages and their impact on the concept of caste in contemporary society in Sri Lanka. The research is based on a qualitative research method. The data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 30 inter-ethnic married couples in 568, Munneswaram Grama Niladari Division. The study sample was selected using the purposive sampling method. The narrative analysis method was used for analysing the data. The study revealed that love relationships were the most influential element in Sinhala- Tamil inter-marriages, and Kovil was the main place where most relationships started. Although religious shrines act as a healing system, in some cases they have become a focal point for building romantic relationships. There are cases where the Sinhalese and Tamil communities still accept the concept of caste, and among them, the marriage factor is important. This has further contributed to maintaining social inequality. However, caste is not considered in intermarriages based on love. Therefore, intermarriage is rooted in eliminating social disparity and creating social harmony. Due to the unavailability of a suitable person from their own ethnic group for marriage, and the poverty of their family, they have been influenced to marry a person from another ethnic group. These factors have contributed to the neglect of ethnicity and caste.