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01.4 Beliefs

In early Sri Lankan culture, natural forces such as trees and rocks were worshipped
for their perceived protective powers (Bandara, 2005). Inquiring into the deities

believed in by the villagers of Ranamure, situated in the Knuckles Mountain region,
reveals that a large number of gods and goddesses were venerated. These spiritual

beliefs were vital in their survival against the challenges of farming and living in a

mountainous, rugged landscape. The belief system likely received influence from the
Yaksha tribes and the Vedda people, thought to have lived near Lakegala

(Goonetilleke, 2011). This led to the strong belief in Yakshas and Vedda gods within
the societies around the Knuckles Mountains.

In their primary peace ceremonies, such as the Aukku Pooja or Ravana Yakkama, both
gods and demons are venerated, paying homage to the forces believed to have assisted

them in ancient times. The principal deities worshipped in Ranamure, Meemure,
Kaikawala, and Dandenikumbura include the God of the Kande, the God of the Gage

Bandara, the God of the Kale Bandara, the God of the Vanni Bandara, the God of the

Mangara, the God of the Name Nethi, the God of the Abhutha, the God of the Thun
Bale, the Goddess Paththini, and the newly revered God of Kahatagaha Kumbure.

01.5 Offering the Dead

The people of Ranamure predominantly believe in Buddha and local deities and do
not practice any other special faith except for remembering the dead and offering

them alms. It is heard that the villagers from nearby areas such as Gala Moka and

Gala Debokka still actively engage in offerings for the dead. There is a strong belief
that deceased relatives become ghosts capable of harming the living. The villagers

attribute diseases and dangers to the anger of the dead and therefore perform various
rituals to avert such threats. Traditional practices such as placing food, incense, and

flowers at specific plants are performed to appease the dead spirits and to protect the
living from harm (Perera, 1991).

01.6 Personality Disorders
In the Knuckles region, defects that arise from greed, jealousy, or anger are locally

termed Eswaha and Katawaha. The villagers believe these defects stem from jealousy

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