Veddha community likely to boycott Independence celebrations

• Says their freedom has been limited and feel like they had been kept in a cage

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

The Veddha community is having second thoughts about participating in the 75th Independence Day celebrations claiming that they have not been recognized by all the governments, said Veddha Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo.   

Addressing the media, he said their freedom had been limited and they feel like they had been kept in a cage.   
“Previously, our community used to travel to various locations in our area, but recent governments imposed restrictions and limited our freedom.   

“Our community was invited only to certain government national functions to represent the history of the country, which is like searching for elephants for Perahera purposes. After the function, we returned to our territory, and the government showed no concern for the indigenous group,” he said.  The Vedda Chief blamed the government, saying it did not care about the community and did not look after its facilities and infrastructure.   

“It is doubtful that our community has gained true freedom. Independence was granted only by deals. We have not been invited by anyone to the Independence Day celebration during the Yahapalanaya government,” he said.