Abstract:
Gypsies are a small primitive as well as a nomadic tribe who are struggling to face the
changing world. They spread over the whole world, especially in Eastern Europe, where
they are known as Romanies. In Sri Lanka gypsies are called “Ahikuntika” or “Kuthadi”.
They live mostly in the North Central and the Eastern provinces. Special behavioural
patterns and customs can be seen in their lives. Although they still depend on their
endemic occupations, permanent settlements have also been used by this group.
However, they have to encounter a lot of difficulties as a result of social change.
The objective of this research is to identity the obstacles, challengers encountered by
the gypsies in Sri Lanka. The location of research is Kudagama, a small village in
Ikiriwewa Grama Niladari Division of Thammbuttegama Divisional Secretariat in the
Anuradhapura district. The methodology of this study is comprised with two vital
research methods: they are comparative method and life historical method. Interviews
and observations are used as tools of data collection. This is an in-depth study on
gypsies which examined economic, social, political and cultural aspects.
It could be concluded that their traditional life style has changed, and also their activities
and other customs are mixed up with those of the Sinhala community. In addition, they
have confronted several problems as parents, youth and children. That includes,
illiteracy, lack of health environment, alcoholism, lack of parental care, cultural
alienation, child abuse by their parents, lack of job opportunities etc. Although they are
willing to have access to the modern world they confront-various difficulties in adapting
themselves to new social order. Finally, we can state that the Gypsies are confronting
many challenges in this new world order and as a result of these challenges their
traditional culture and society have undergone several changers today.
