The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Paul Stephens held talks with the Veddha Chief Uruwarige Wanniyaletto yesterday in Dambana and learnt about their history and current challenges.

“It was an honour to meet with the Adiwasi community, including Veddha Chief Uruwarige Wanniyaletto today and learn about their history and current challenges,” the High Commissioner tweeted.   

“In their efforts to both build sustainable livelihoods and maintain connection to culture and country I see parallels with Australia’s First Nations communities,” he stated.