Integrity and integration of Christian community in Sri Lanka

Religion is a social phenomenon, which is an integral part of the society. Beliefs, customs and rituals influence and shape the behavior of the people in the society. Often these beliefs, customs and rituals survive in the society in an emotional manner. Therefore to have scientific knowledge on religion, it is important to understand religion sociologically. In this study the effort is being made to analysis the Christian community in Sri Lanka sociologically. Very specially this is done in the context of Sinhala Buddhist society. Today the Christian faith mainly introduced by the colonial powers of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British have become an integral reality in the Sri Lanka society. This faith has created a unique community in the Sri Lankan society. The process of integration of this community has influenced the other socio- cultural and religious traits of the Sri Lanakn society. At the same time the other socio- cultural and religious traits have shaped the integration of this community. In the above process this community has kept its integrity in the Sri Lankan society. Hence this research seeks to identify the integrity and integration of this community in Sri Lankan society. As the area of this research two villages in Moratuwa were chosen. This was chosen in a way in which to cover the different sociological realities such as urban and rural in the society.