Introduction / History
The Batgama or Bathgama are a mostly Buddhist people who live on the island nation of Sri Lankan. They have a tradition of serving in the military and being guards of Sri Lankan leaders. Through their loyal service the Batgama gained land holdings. Their land is mainly used for growing rice, the staple of the Sri Lankan diet. The Batgama prospered under British colonial rule. In the Sri Lankan Civil War of 1983-2009, Batgama were officers and soldiers in the Buddhist Sinhalese army. A complete Sinhala Bible became available in 2009. As an educated Sri Lankan people, the Batgama speak English. A small fraction of the Batgama became Anglican Christians during the British period.

What are their lives like?
The Batgama are considered an upper class people in Sri Lankan society. They own land that is worked mostly by others. Since the ending of the Sri Lankan war, the Batgama's wealth and influence have increased. They encourage their children to attend college and get professional degrees. Batgama are members of Parliament and high-ranking employees in the Sri Lankan government. The return of tourists has improved the Sri Lankan economy. A number of Batgama have been prominent Sri Lankan politicians and well-known athletes. Some have also become entrepreneurs and owners of large businesses. The Batgama tend to marry within their group. Sons inherit the property of their father. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people.

What are their beliefs?
The great majority of the Batgama practice Buddhism, the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha. He lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. The vast majority of Buddhists also practice animism, a belief in the spirit world. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, charms, sacrifices and rituals. Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree in December. Certain foods are required, and they believe that eating these foods on this auspicious day will bring them good fortune throughout the year. Some Batgama boys become Buddhist monks and priests.

What are their needs?
The Batgama need to be humble enough to admit that they are sinners and in need of forgiveness. They must begin to understand that God is a holy, personal being who hates sin. Jesus Christ is much more than another religious leader. He is the Lord and Savior of the world.

Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to send workers to share the good news with the Batgama of Sri Lankan. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Batgama leaders and heads of households. Pray the believers in Sri Lankan would be strengthened and live holy lives. Ask the Lord to raise up a Disciple Making Movement among the Batgama of Sri Lankan in this decade.

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathgama