INDEPENDENCE JUST A WORD-VEDDA CHIEF

Vedda Chief Wanaspathi Uruwarigelage Vanniyale Ettho said that Independence was just a word for them and that his community’s independence had been denied to them.

He told the media yesterday in Badulla that the Vedda community would enjoy independence only if they were allowed to live their traditional way of life without interference.

“Today independence is celebrated all over the country for the 71st year when I reach 71 years of age. However, it is in question whether the people are enjoying any freedom. History has recorded that the indigenous people joined the riots in Uva –Wellassa and in other areas to free the country from foreign domination. Hundreds of people of my community had laid down their lives in the riots. However, we have not been fortunate to enjoy any freedom even after gaining independence from the British. My community has been subject to injustices. It is sad that we are not even allowed to live our traditional way of life. My community has a history of more than 37,000 years, but we have been deprived of that long heritage under the pretext of development.” he said.

Vanniyale Ettho further said that his community had not been allowed to live freely in the forests, and to uphold its cultural heritage. He pointed out they were still subject to the laws of the colonial rulers that prevented them even from entering the forests. He said his community would be free when they were allowed to live without interference and domination of others.