PM Harini meets Vedda chief to address indigenous community concerns

A meeting between the Leader of the indigenous Vedda community, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held at Parliament, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

During the meeting held yesterday (12), discussions focused on the challenges faced by the indigenous community. The Vedda leader, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the difficulties encountered by indigenous people in accessing and using their traditional ancestral lands.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the indigenous community has the right to access and use its traditional lands without obstruction and stated that the necessary legal measures to safeguard these rights would be expedited.

The indigenous leader also raised concerns regarding the lack of relief assistance provided to residents of Hennanigala, who were affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister immediately instructed the relevant officials to ensure that these families receive proper relief assistance without delay, the statement said.

The discussion also addressed the shortcomings and needs of Dambana School. The Prime Minister stated that the matter would be examined and that necessary measures would be taken.