New Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has pledged to address the issues faced by Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community within the next three months, said a statement issued by the office of the Prime Minister.
This commitment came during a discussion held at the Parliament Complex on 22 January, focusing on the progress of a Parliamentary bill aimed at protecting the rights of the indigenous community.
The discussion, organized by the Ministry of Environment, saw the participation of key figures including Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo, a leader of the Vedda community, and representatives from the ministries of environment and cultural affairs, the department of wildlife, and the Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Vanniyalaththo highlighted the historical significance of the Vedda community and drew attention to the ongoing challenges they face. He emphasized the need for the proposed legislation to effectively address the daily struggles of the indigenous people, despite previous government efforts. He further mentioned the Indigenous Rights Act, which was prepared in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
The statement said that Minister of Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi underscored the importance of protecting the Veddas as a national heritage, while Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi assured the community of the ministry’s commitment to enacting laws and regulations safeguarding their rights.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya acknowledged the vital role played by the indigenous community and stressed that they should enjoy the same rights as all other citizens. She urged officials to expedite legal action to guarantee the rights of the indigenous people within the next three months.