People don’t visit Dambana due to fuel price hike

• “My expenses to visit Colombo was Rs. 20,000, but now I have to pocket out at least Rs. 60,000”
• People visiting Dambana was stopped after the Easter Sunday attack and COVID pandemic 

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

Because of the increased fuel prices, people do not visit the Veddha community in Dambana, Veddha chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo said.  

He told the media that people visiting Dambana was stopped after the Easter Sunday attack and COVID pandemic.  

“Now people are unable to refuel their vehicles, and the prices of vehicles have also gone up exorbitantly high. Earlier, my expenses to visit Colombo was Rs. 20,000, but now I have to pocket out at least Rs. 60,000,” he said.     “Some people used to visit us on holidays,” he said.  

The Veddha chief requested the people’s help to protect the forest after visiting Dambana.   

“People were punished by the nature. People who visit every nook and corner of the country, including forests, should bear in mind that they shouldn’t harm nature,” he said.