Cultural Exchange and Economic Cooperation as Drivers of Ethnic Harmony: A Case Study of the Gandara Area of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka comprises multiple ethnic groups, and promoting social cohesion remains a perpetual task, despite the existing constitutional guarantee that everyone will be treated equally and have their religious rights protected. Although most analyses carried out in Sri Lanka have focused on the relationship between the dominant ethnic group, the Sinhalese, and the other ethnic group, the Tamils, surprisingly, few studies concentrate on the coexistence of other ethnic groups, particularly the Muslims, with the dominant ethnic group, the Sinhalese, in Sri Lanka. This study will examine cultural coexistence and economic coexistence in the Gandara East Grama Niladhari Division, where, despite being a region that consists of two different ethnicities (Sinhalese and Muslims), there have been no recorded instances of severe ethnic tensions. With the adoption of Cultural Integration Theory, Economic Interdependence Theory, Intergroup Contact Theory, and Social Capital theory, along with a qualitative methodological design that focuses on a case study, this analysis will provide valuable insights through interviews, observational studies, and existing literature, targeting 55 respondents. The results show that cultural coexistence, achieved through joint celebrations, different forms of religious practices, sports events, mutual household assistance, and participation in funerals, has helped prevent severe ethnic tensions. Economic interdependence further cements this form of coexistence, achieved through joint fishing practices, shared economic activities, and debt-free economic collaborations. However, this analysis also highlights other emerging issues, such as the heightened insecurity experienced following the events of Easter, as well as occasional discomfort felt by the majority ethnic group, the Sinhalese, regarding the use of loudspeakers in the Muslims' mosques. Although these issues may seem less severe, they confirm that matters related to ethnic coexistence remain a fragile topic, requiring continual dialogue across different cultural backgrounds.