In the next three months, legislative measures will be implemented to address the challenges faced by the Veddas, an indigenous community in Sri Lanka.
A meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment to discuss the progress of the Parliamentary bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of the indigenous community and addressing legal issues related to their fundamental rights took place at the Parliament Complex with the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday (22).
Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo, the leader of Vedda community who took part in the discussion, highlighted the historical significance of their community and brought up the challenges they are currently facing. He also mentioned the Indigenous Rights Act developed in line with the United Nations Charter and noted that the struggles of indigenous people in their day-to-day lives have not been adequately tackled despite efforts by past Governments.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi emphasized the importance of preserving the Veddas as a historical treasure of the nation and ensuring their rights.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi assured that the Ministry will work towards implementing necessary laws and regulations to safeguard the rights of indigenous people in Sri Lanka.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Wildlife provided updates on the current situation and outlined future actions to address the issues at hand.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stressed the crucial role played by the indigenous community and highlighted the need for them to enjoy the same rights as everyone else. She urged officials to take appropriate legal steps to protect the rights of indigenous people within the next three months, while also addressing existing legal and technical challenges they face.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Member of Parliament Sugath Balagalla, Director General of Wildlife Suriyabandara, representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Centre for Policy Alternatives, and members of the indigenous community participated in the discussion.
A discussion was held at the Parliament Complex with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to address legal issues and ensure the rights of the indigenous community in Sri Lanka. Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo, the leader of the Vedda community, highlighted the challenges they face and the need for proper legal protection. Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Department of Wildlife discussed future measures to protect indigenous rights. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of ensuring equal rights for the indigenous community and requested officials to take necessary legal action within three months. The government aims to enact laws to protect and preserve the rights of indigenous people in the country.
