Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has assured swift government action to address key issues affecting Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community, including the protection of their traditional land rights. She made these remarks during a meeting held at Parliament on the 12th, where indigenous leader Uru Warige Wannila Aththo presented the community’s concerns.
The Vedda leader highlighted the difficulties faced by indigenous people in accessing and using their ancestral lands. In response, the Prime Minister emphasized that the indigenous community holds full rights to use and benefit from their traditional lands without obstruction. She also stated that the government will expedite the necessary legal measures to strengthen and protect these rights. Officials have been instructed to fast-track the implementation process to ensure immediate progress.
Urgent relief ordered for Hennanigala cyclone victims.
The discussion also addressed the hardships faced by residents in Hennanigala following Cyclone Ditwah. The indigenous leader noted that several affected families have still not received relief assistance. The Prime Minister immediately instructed relevant authorities to ensure that relief support reaches all affected households without further delay. She also directed officials to speed up the delivery of essential assistance and improve coordination on the ground.
Government to review Dambana School challenges.
Challenges faced by Dambana School were also raised during the meeting. The indigenous leader outlined key infrastructure and resource issues affecting students and staff. The Prime Minister responded by instructing officials to review the school’s needs in detail and take appropriate corrective measures. She assured that the government will act to resolve the issues and improve facilities at the school as part of broader efforts to support indigenous communities and safeguard their cultural heritage.
