As an expert in the field of ethnic studies, I am well-versed in the composition of various societies around the world. Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The ethnic makeup of Sri Lanka is a reflection of its history, influenced by various migrations, invasions, and cultural exchanges over centuries.

The Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up approximately 74% of the total population. They are predominantly Buddhists and their culture has been shaped by a long history of interaction with the Indian subcontinent, particularly with the region of present-day India known as Magadha. The Sinhalese language, which is the official language of Sri Lanka, belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. The Sinhalese people have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music, dance, and a vibrant festival culture.

The Sri Lankan Tamils are the second largest ethnic group, comprising about 12.6% of the population. They are predominantly Hindu and their language, Tamil, is one of the official languages of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Tamils have a distinct cultural identity that is influenced by the Tamil culture of South India, with whom they share linguistic and cultural ties.

Another significant group is the Indian Tamils, who constitute around 5.5% of the population. They are descendants of Indian laborers who were brought to Sri Lanka during the British colonial period to work on tea and rubber plantations. Indian Tamils maintain a separate identity from the Sri Lankan Tamils and have their own unique cultural practices.

The Moors or Muslims form about 7.1% of the Sri Lankan population. They are a diverse group with varying origins, including Arab traders, Moors from the African continent, and local converts to Islam. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka has contributed significantly to the country's trade and commerce, and they have their own distinct cultural practices, including a rich tradition of Islamic art and architecture.

Lastly, there is a small community known as the Burghers, who are of mixed European and local descent. They are a result of the colonial influence, particularly from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods. The Burghers have a unique culture that is a blend of European and Sri Lankan traditions.

In conclusion, while the Sinhalese are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, the country's ethnic composition is diverse, with each group contributing to the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture and society. Understanding the ethnic dynamics in Sri Lanka is crucial for appreciating the complexities of its social fabric and the challenges it faces in fostering unity and harmony among its people.

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The major ethnic groups include not only the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils, who compose 74 and 12.6 percent of the population, respectively, but also Indian Tamils (5.5 percent of the population) who view themselves as separate from the Sri Lankan Tamils, as well as "Moors" or Muslims (7.1 percent), "Burghers" ...read more >>