Sinhalese in United States

People Name:	Sinhalese
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	11,000
World Population:	399,800
Primary Language:	Sinhala
Primary Religion:	Buddhism
Christian Adherents:	4.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.20 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Buddhist
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Not all Sri Lankans are Sinhalese but about three-quarters are. Many Sri Lankans came to America during the Sri Lankan civil war in the 1990s. They live in New York City which has the largest number of them, then central New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. Sri Lankan Buddhists tend to live near others of them who are Buddhists while their Hindus usually live near other Hindus.
The second generation of Sri Lankans are used to the American culture. Parents often send their children to religious courses in the U.S.A.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sri Lankans eat curries, fish, rice, soup and vegetables. Coconut milk is a very important ingredient for their meals. They have holidays based on the full moon. With Buddhists, May is the most important full moon holy day as Gautama Buddha was born and passed away then. Sinhala is the main language spoken amongst the Sinhalese.
The Goyigama caste is prominent among the Sinhalese. They do not use caste limitations when mixing with Americans. They live in single units but not with relatives. Relatives may live in the same community.
Sri Lankan Americans are well educated and most have been to college. A lot of Sri Lankans who come to live in America do so because of better job opportunities. Many of them have their own businesses.
They favor cross cousin marriages are most favored. Children can refuse the marriage partner chosen by their parents even though marriages are arranged. There is a good chance these practices will change in the next generation. The Sri Lankans have nuclear families of husbands, wives and their children who are not married.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Sinhalese are Buddhists. There are some Christians among them in the United States.

Prayer Points

Pray for a revival among Sinhalese Christians in the US that will make them shine their lights drawing others out of darkness.
Pray for Sinhalese disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for entire Sinhalese families to be blessed through home Bible studies. Pray these will lead to good fruit.