Ilavan in Sri Lanka

Introduction / History

Ilavan people are also known as Izhava or Ezhavas. They live in southern India and Sri Lanka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Ilavan in Sri Lanka are either farmers or toddy tappers. They grow coconut, palm trees and sugar cane. They extract sap from their trees to make an alcoholic beverage. Some have become builders, chauffeurs, handymen, lorry drivers and taxi drivers. Others are businessmen, teachers or lecturers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Ilavan people in Sri Lanka practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods hoping to gain protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews.

What Are Their Needs?

Bharatha people in Sri Lanka have practical and educational needs. Bible written, audio, visual resources exist in their Tamil language, yet they remain unreached. Who will tell them?

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare Ilavan people in Sri Lanka for the time when he will be fully revealed to them.
Pray that existing Tamil Bible resources will be easily available to them.
Pray that they will be spiritually open to the ways of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project