The Indigenous people of Sri Lanka

The forest people or 'Vedda' is the indigenous tribal group of Sri Lanka that still exists in Dambana, Mahiyangana. There are many stories related to their origination. According to history, there were many tribal groups in Sri Lanka before the arrival of the first Aryan king Vijaya. They were 'Yakka', 'Nesanda', 'Mikaka', 'Shakara' etc. It is said that 'Vedda' has originated with the collection of all these tribes.

According to the spoken legend of the Sinhalese, the Vedda are the descendants of Prince Vijaya. It is depicted in the historical chronicle, Mahavansa that the Vedda tribal group is originated from 'Jeewahatta' and 'Disala' who were the abandoned kids of Prince Vijaya and the Yakka Princess Kuweni.

These forest people are divided into many groups such as 'Morāna Warige', 'Unāpāta Warige', 'Uooru Warige', 'Ambala Warige', 'Nadumuna Warige' and 'Talā Warige' etc.

The Vedda group was used to live in the forest dens and usually used to consume yams, fruit, bee honey and the flesh of animals. They hunted animals using bows and arrows. They even used stone tools for hunting. They have their own dialect of speech and it is still used among them. With the advancement of modern time, they transferred their livelihood to chena cultivation while preserving their own culture and tradition.

They still continue their rituals, customs and beliefs unique to the tribal group. They have a close connection to nature and their ritualistic songs are like a communication with the elements.

• Worshipping the 'Kande Yaka' (a demon) or 'arrow dance' is done to ensure the protection of the tribe. 
• 'KiriKoraha' dance is one of their famous dance rituals done to enrich their hunting, harvest and bee honey. 
• To ensure the protection of kids they did 'kiri amma poojawa' 
• 'Hatme' dance offered for 'Ele yakku or Gale yakku'  (devils) is done to obtain more fertility to have children. 
• 'Patta yaka' pooja (an offering for a devil) is done to ensure the protection of pregnant mothers and to help them away from diseases. 
• Their final funeral rituals are done burying their bodies after the meritorious observances. 

The Vedda people are the last indigenous tribe still in existence on the island of Sri Lanka and it is our duty to protect them. 

Image courtesy: trip advisor.com, tourplanlanka.com.