Final answer:
A cultural anthropologist would study ethnic-religious conflict in contemporary Sri Lanka, focusing on the intricate relationships and history between different religious and ethnic groups, while also analyzing the role of religious specialists and acknowledging the potential for bias in their research.
Step-by-step explanation:
An anthropologist studying ethnic-religious conflict in contemporary Sri Lanka is most likely a cultural anthropologist. Cultural anthropologists examine various aspects of human society, culture, and social relationships. In the context of Sri Lanka, this involves understanding the complex interplay between the Buddhist majority and the Hindu minority, as well as examining the history of civil conflict fueled by ethnic and religious differences. An anthropological study in this area would likely involve immersive fieldwork to observe and record daily lives, religious practices, and the impacts of political dynamics on the ground. This approach helps illuminate the lived experiences of individuals within a society, shedding light on the nuanced ways in which ethnic and religious identities intersect with conflict and societal change.
Religious specialists such as priests, pastors, and imams play a significant role in such studies, serving as key informants and leaders in their communities. The anthropologist would also have to be cognizant of their own potential biases and strive to present data in a manner that accurately reflects the diversity and complexity of the communities involved. In addition to observing and participating in cultural practices, anthropologists might engage with various narratives, media portrayals, and policy implications to provide a multifaceted understanding of the conflict.