Abstract:
There was a strong, self-sufficient social and economic pattern based on the system of caste in the
traditional society. However, since later changes in the social system caused by foreign invasions, the
caste-based social and economic system collapsed. Therefore, the skillful craft of knowledge had
collapsed, and the social system based on it had broken up. Anyhow, craftsmen engaged in traditional
jobs can also be seen in modern society. The problem of the research was, why does the caste-based
economy fail to use modern technology? The main purpose of this research was to understand the
reasons behind the caste economy for not using modern technology. Palpola village in Millaniya
secretariat division of Kaluthara district of Western Province has selected as the research field. This is a
comparative study about the former study which has done over six decades and the prevailing
condition (Professor Bryce Ryan's research "Sinhalese Village" - 1958). In this research comparative
method and historical method were used as the research methods. Observation, Interviews and survey
methods were used as the techniques of collecting data. Primary data were obtained through field
study and secondary data were obtained by referring the relevant books and articles including
Professor Bryce Ryan's book (Sinhalese Village). The results of the research that modern technology
has not been used because of the caste traditions. Therefore, craftsmen products did not enough to
fulfill modern requirements.
