Ethnic Groups in Sri Lanka
Discover the unique heritage and contributions of Sri Lanka’s diverse ethnic communities.
Ethnic Diversity in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to a rich and vibrant blend of 19 historically recognized ethnic groups. This diverse population reflects centuries of migration, colonial influence, trade, and indigenous heritage. Each community contributes uniquely to the island’s cultural, economic, and social fabric.
Major Ethnic Communities
- Sinhalese – The majority ethnic group in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lankan Tamils – Primarily in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
- Muslims (Yonaka) – Ethnically diverse Islamic communities across the island.
- Indian Tamils – Brought from India during British rule to work on plantations.
- Colombo Hettites – Historically traders, part of the “Vais” caste.
Ethnic Groups of Migrant or Mixed Origins
Indian Tamils
Descendants brought from South India by the British in 1823 to work on plantations. They significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
Colombo Hettites
Belonging to the “Vais” caste, primarily traders historically, now often mixed with Sinhalese and Tamils.
Sri Lankan Malayalams
Arrived from India as mercenaries and workers in agriculture and later expanded into various professional sectors.
Muslim and South Asian Trading Communities
Malays
Practice Islam migrated during Dutch and British rule, and contributed culturally, including in cuisine.
Memons
A Muslim trading community from South India, involved in commerce and settled mainly near Jaffna and Colombo.
Dawoodi Bohras
Muslim trader community from Gujarat, India, established since the early 19th century.
Indigenous & Coastal Communities
Vedda People
Indigenous hunter-gatherers, considered descendants of the ancient Veddas, mainly living in central and eastern regions.
Sea Veddas
Indigenous coastal dwellers primarily engaged in fishing, with a population of about 2,460.
Ahikuntakas
South Indian origin, living nomadically, involved in traditional dance and religious practices.
Communities of European & African Descent
Portuguese Burghers
Descendants of Portuguese colonizers, mainly residing in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee.
Dutch Burghers
Descendants of Dutch settlers, historically prominent in judicial and military fields.
Kaffirs (Kapiris)
Descendants of African slaves brought during Portuguese rule, now mixed with Sinhalese and Tamils.
Other Minorities
Chinese
Historically traders and laborers, their population has increased recently due to migration for development projects.
Sri Lankan Indians
Including Bharatha people involved in coastal trade and inland settlements.
Sindhi People
Traders from Sindh, migrated in the 19th century, mainly involved in commerce.
Parsis
An ancient Zoroastrian community from Persia, once active in trade, now a very small population.