Preserving minority identities in the process of building nationalism; a study based on Beruwala

Abstract

Beruwala is an area in Kalutara District in Western Province, Sri Lanka. According to folklore, it is the most ancient settlement of the Muslim community on the island. This study mainly focuses on how Muslims are maintaining unity in diversity in this particular area. As the methodology of this study, the historical data was firstly collected about how Muslim settlements were first localized in Beruwala. Secondly, this study pays attention to how the Muslim community in Beruwala shapes their identity as Sri Lankans while protecting their cultural values as Muslims. In the practice of nationalism, it is evident that usually, minority communities are shaping their identities with the dissolution of their cultural values but Beruwala is one of the most prominent examples to show how the national identity is created without compromising their cultural values. This type of unity in diversity can appear with special conditions. Finally, this study will discuss the current position of Beruwala Muslim culture with recent political movements.