The government is firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, cultural heritage and traditional way of life of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated.
The Prime Minister said the long-awaited Indigenous Peoples’ Bill, which has been sought by the Vedda community for many years, has now been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said the government would move forward with the legislation after consulting representatives of the indigenous community and other relevant institutions.
She made the remarks while participating as the chief guest at the World Indigenous Day 2026 celebrations held at the Dambana Indigenous Heritage Museum.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya described the Vedda community as a people who have traditionally lived in harmony with nature, regarding the environment as their home.
She highlighted several traditional practices that reflect their respect for nature, including refraining from hunting pregnant animals and avoiding the destruction of entire beehives when collecting honey.
The Prime Minister also recalled how former Vedda leader Tissahamy had once declined an offer from a head of state to provide him with an official residence and land, choosing instead to safeguard the cultural identity and traditions of the Vedda community.
She described his decision as an important example of sacrifice and commitment to cultural preservation in a society where individuals often pursue personal privileges.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya stressed that development should not result in the destruction of the heritage of the indigenous community.
She said protecting the rights of indigenous peoples in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a responsibility shared by everyone.
Although previous governments had held discussions on the Indigenous Peoples’ Bill, the Prime Minister said the current government had initiated the process of formally introducing the legislation.
She said the draft Bill had been submitted to the Cabinet following the intervention of Minister Sunil Senevi.
The Prime Minister further revealed that a gazette notification had been signed under the leadership of the Minister of Environment, addressing several longstanding concerns of the Vedda community.
The measures include granting members of the community permission to enter forest areas, registering indigenous Vedda people and issuing them legally recognised identity cards.
She said the measures would provide lasting solutions to many of the problems faced by the community.
The Prime Minister also said relief measures for indigenous Vedda people affected by Cyclone Ditwah had been expedited.
