British High Commissioner visits Veddah community of Sri Lanka

Thursday, 6 November 2014 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On 4 November, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin visited the indigenous Veddah community in Dambana, in the Uva Province. He met community Chief Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, and learned about the long history of the Veddah people and the challenges faced by the community as they seek to balance preserving their traditional lifestyles with the attractions and opportunities of modern life.

The High Commissioner said that he had been honoured to meet the community chief and to receive his blessings and warm hospitality. He noted that there was much to learn from indigenous communities, including their sustainable agricultural practices and their use of herbal remedies. At the invitation of Chief Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, he also planted a tree to mark his visit. The High Commissioner also made a brief visit to Badulla where he met the Government Agent, Rohana Keerthi Dissanayake and Harin Fernando, Chief Organiser for the United National Party for the Badulla electorate and member of the Uva Provincial Council.