A study based on the Use of Indigenous knowledge in Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division in Gampaha District

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge is the knowledge that refers to the matured long-standing traditions and practices of certain regional, indigenous, or local communities. It is the knowledge which includes assumptions and beliefs. “Indigenous Knowledge is the knowledge developed around the specific conditions of the environment indigenous to a particular geographic area. Indigenous knowledge is cost effective, readily available, socially desirable and economically affordable” (Singh and Misri, 2006) The main objectives of this research is to find out the Indigenous Knowledge systems in Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division, Study about Usage of past and present status of Indigenous Knowledge and preserve Indigenous Knowledge for future generation. The methodology of the research is the servey methed because of it’s a Qualitative research. The data for the study was gathered from Mirigama Divisional Secretarial Division in Gampaha District and five Gramasewaka Divisions has choosen as a sample for the study. The study is descriptive and participatory in nature. Direct participation, Observation, interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain information. Further secondary sources such as books, Journals and electronic resources were also used. In this research can be identified main traditional systems namely agriculture, cane industry, Clay industry and traditional medicine ways. People who are in this area still use indigenous knowledge for their works and also livelihood. But in the present this knowledge is destroying. Since the indigenous knowledge used by this community has to be recorded and preserved for future generation use.