Henawalayo in Sri Lanka
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Henawalayo |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 20,000 |
| World Population: | 20,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sinhala |
| Primary Religion: | Buddhism |
| Christian Adherents: | 3.71 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Buddhist |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The small Henawalayo or Henavala people also go by the name of "Mukkara Hennaya" or "Udarata Hennaya". They live mainly in Henavala village in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Henawalayo culture originated from a blending of indigenous Vedda and immigrant Indian Tamil cultures. They are noted for their skilled crafts such as basket weaving, pottery and mat making. With modernization it is becoming difficult for them to maintain their unique culture. They sometimes face discrimination.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Though they are officially Buddhist, the Henawalayo people have their own traditional religious practices. Their practices include a variety of gods and goddesses, some of which are Buddhist and others are not. They have their own rituals and customs related to birth, marriage and death.
What Are Their Needs?
They need the Holy Spirit to open their eyes so they can see Jesus as he is.
Prayer Points
Pray for many from this unreached people group to understand both God’s judgment and his majestic glory.
Pray for loving workers to go to the Henawalayo people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their savior.
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.