Legal action to solve Vedda community issues – PM

The indigenous community plays a vital role and that the rights enjoyed by everyone else should also be enjoyed by the indigenous community, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

The Prime Minister expressed those views at a discussion organised by the Environment Ministry on the progress of the Parliamentary Bill prepared to ensure the rights of indigenous community and to resolve existing legal issues regarding their fundamental rights held at the Parliament Complex on Wednesday (22).

The Premier, who paid attention to the existing legal and technical issues to minimise the problems faced by them as an indigenous community, requested the officials to take the necessary legal action to assure the rights of the indigenous people within the next three months.

Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi stated that the Environment Ministry will take the necessary steps to enact the necessary laws and regulations to protect the rights of the indigenous people in Sri Lanka.

The Environment Ministry and the Wildlife Department officials explained the status-quo and the future measures that will be followed on addressing the issues.

Vedda Community Leader Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo who participated in this discussion explained the historical value of their community and drew the attention of the Prime Minister to the issues they are currently facing. He also mentioned about the Indigenous Rights Act prepared in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pointed out that the issues faced by indigenous people in their daily lives had not been properly addressed even though the previous Governments had taken several measures in that regard.

Cultural Affairs Minister Sunil Senevi said that the Veddas are a historical asset of the country and it is essential to protect them and ensure their rights.

Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi, Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, MP Sugath Balagalla, Wildlife Director General Suriyabandara, the Environment Ministry and the Centre for Policy Alternatives officials and members of the indigenous community participated.

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