Negotiating Boundaries: Socio-Cultural Experiences of Small Indian Minority Groups in Sri Lanka

This academic abstract sheds light on the dynamic interplay of socio-cultural experiences within small Indian minority communities residing in Sri Lanka. These local communities grapple with a myriad of issues, including coexistence within the Sri Lankan socio-cultural mainstream, the challenges of residing in neighborhoods situated near borders, and the implications of state-led gentrification projects. The qualitative commentary offered in this research unveils the unique ways in which small Indian minority groups carve out their identities amid the broader Sri Lankan society. Emphasizing the importance of respecting the privacy of these communities, the research meticulously selects and employs test methods, all the while showcasing their remarkable adaptability to the host society. The study further elucidates the socio-cultural trajectories of individuals within these minority groups, employing the well-recognized W-curve model to describe their experiences. It delineates the arrival, crisis, recovery, and adjustment periods that shape their socio-cultural integration. Drawing from comprehensive research, this study discerns the socio-cultural social experiences of small Indian minority groups in political and livelihood domains during two distinct historical periods, 1850-1900 and 1900-1950. Additionally, the socio-cultural experience of embracing Sri Lankanness unfolds through three distinct phases: stereotype views, psychological efforts, and ethno cultural empathy. The research underscores the importance of adopting a nuanced perspective when examining individuals originating from diverse cultural backgrounds. It conceptually unravels the social fabric of small Indian-origin communities in Sri Lankan society and offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they encounter.