Abstract:
The politico-historical background of the Uva
Province has played a significant role in shaping
its religious ethos. The religious framework of
Uva is complex and deeply rooted in Buddhist
traditions. The residents of the province adhere
to a belief system that integrates Buddhist
deities and veneration of demons, reflecting
a blend of spiritual devotion and pragmatic
aspirations.With the advent of Buddhism in
ancient Sri Lanka, it is plausible to assert that
the indigenous demon-related beliefs—centered
on raakshas and yakshas—were assimilated
and transformed within a Buddhist cultural and
spiritual framework. As a profoundly spiritual
tradition, Buddhism influenced the integration of
local religious practices, with rural communities
adapting these syncretic belief systems to address
their material desires and everyday concerns.
This study aims to undertake an analytical
exploration of the traditional belief systems and
worship practices unique to Uva. Additionally,
it seeks to examine the underlying motivations
for these practices and evaluate whether these
belief systems have yielded beneficial outcomes
for the local population.
