Couratto in Sri Lanka

Introduction / History

The Couratto people, an ethnic group in Sri Lanka, have a history deeply rooted in the island’s coastal regions. Their ancestral identity is tied to fishing and seafaring, which has sustained them for generations. Historically, they have faced challenges from colonial rule, modernization and the changing political landscape of Sri Lanka. Despite these pressures, the Couratto have preserved their traditions, maintaining a strong connection to the ocean and their coastal way of life.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Couratto people primarily make their living from fishing, with generations of knowledge passed down about the best techniques for harvesting the sea’s resources. Fishing remains central to their economy, although some Couratto have also taken up small-scale agriculture or found work in coastal industries like boat building or salt production. Families often work together on fishing boats, and the community operates with strong social ties, emphasizing cooperation.

Their homes, usually located in coastal villages, are built from local materials like wood and thatch, designed to withstand the monsoon rains and ocean winds. Life for the Couratto revolves around the sea, with daily routines dictated by the tides and the seasonal changes in weather. Even with modernization, many Couratto communities remain reliant on traditional methods, although some younger members of the community have begun seeking opportunities in nearby urban areas.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Couratto practice Buddhism, the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. Mahayana Buddhism, the other main branch of Buddhism, asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism falls within the Mahayana school, although it also incorporates many shamanistic practices.

To most Buddhists, however, these things have far less meaning than their traditional beliefs, which are usually animistic. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion.

Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

Festivals and religious ceremonies mark important times in their lives, often tied to agricultural and fishing cycles. Ancestral veneration is also part of their belief system, with families honoring their forebears to ensure the well-being of future generations.

What Are Their Needs?

The Couratto people face several challenges in adapting to modern life. Access to education and healthcare remains limited in many of their coastal communities, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and disease. The fishing industry, their primary source of income, has been increasingly impacted by overfishing, environmental changes, and competition from larger commercial enterprises, threatening their traditional way of life.

To improve their situation, development programs should focus on providing better access to education, healthcare and sustainable fishing practices. Such initiatives should respect the Couratto’s deep connection to the sea while offering them pathways to economic development and resilience. Efforts to promote market access for their fish and seafood products, alongside environmental protection, would greatly benefit the community.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to go to the Couratto people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that result in thousands of new disciples who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project