Rodiya in Sri Lanka

The Rodiya have only been reported in Sri Lanka
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Sri Lanka census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Rodiya people of Sri-Lanka were once known as the "untouchables" of the land. They were primarily hunters in the early years of the country and were known for providing meat for the king's table. However, one incident turned their lives to what has since led to downgrading their status.

As they see it, they are descended from a Sri Lankan princess who was ostracized for cannibalism. They praise her in songs and poems. Her depiction, however, is very much like the Hindu goddess Kali, recipient of human sacrifices, repugnant to Buddhists. Despite these questionable origins, the Rodiyas are beginning to be assimilated into the larger Sri Lankan society. While they constitute less than one percent of Sri Lanka's population, the Rodiya people of Sri Lanka have their own language and their own distinct Buddhist beliefs and practices.


What Are Their Lives Like?

As outcastes they seek alms. At times they have been denied work and even clothing! Yet work they do, dancing, juggling plates and making handicrafts. They are known for their skills in manufacturing crafts using cane. One such product they are particularly known for are the handmade drums. Drums are a significant part of Sri-Lankan culture to this day. With increased urbanization, their lot in life is improving.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Rodiyas are Buddhist. However, several sources trace them back to eastern Indian tribes who worshiped the Black Goddess. This so called goddess is known for their involvement in cult like activity and human sacrifices. Today, however, the number of Rodiya population is drastically decreasing. The minor number of people left follow the Buddhism philosophy.


What Are Their Needs?

Only a few believers have sought to minister to these people. Today few if any Rodiyas are followers of Jesus.


Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Rodiya people a willingness to accept the eternal blessings of Jesus Christ.

Pray for a movement that will bless the Rodiya people with a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers life to the full.

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Rodiya people.

Pray that the few Christian believers will lovingly reach out to other Rodiyas to spread the good news.

Pray also that their hearts may not be hardened, and they will seek Christ with all their hearts and minds.


Scripture Prayers for the Rodiya in Sri Lanka.


References

http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/issue/day/2010/09/08

https://www.maquah.net/portfolio/Strib/p19.html

http://www.lankalibrary.com/cul/rodi.htm


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

Additional Info
Global Prayer Digest: 2010-09-08
People Name General Rodiya
People Name in Country Rodiya
Alternate Names रोड़िया
Population this Country 18,000
Population all Countries 18,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 17975
ROP3 Code 113464
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States on file 6
Largest States
Sabaragamuwa
6,800
North Western
4,600
Uva
3,200
Central
3,000
Southern
300
Western
200
Country Sri Lanka
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Total States 6
  Sabaragamuwa 6,800
  North Western 4,600
  Uva 3,200
  Central 3,000
  Southern 300
  Western 200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
100.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Sri Lanka census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Sinhala (18,000 speakers)
Language Code sin   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Sinhala (18,000 speakers)
Language Code sin   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Sinhala
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project  
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.