Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, the veddas or the wanniya-latto (dwellers of the forest) are said to have originated from the direct bloodline of Kuveni’s twins. Currently, the Vedda community is reduced to a few hundred, and slowly breaking away from their original lifestyles. Like most indigenous cultures, the Veddas are facing the threat of extinction due to immigration, colonization and the advancement of the cultures.
- Origins
The Sri Lankan veddas used to inhabit the forest reserve around Ratnapura, and Mahiyangana before they were resettled in certain areas due to development projects. Currently, most Veddas can be encountered in Dambana, Mahiyanagana and Hennanigala. There are four types of Vedda clans currently in Sri Lanka. The most famous clan is known as Uru Warige, (the descendants of the boar). The current Vedda chief is known as the Uruwarige Wannilaetto.
- Language
The Veddas speak a different tongue than the Sinhalese. Their language is solely for the purpose of conversation, and there does not seem to be a written language among them. Yet, the Vedda language is not as widely used today, and only parts of the language are used by the Veddas. Most Veddas are aware of the Sinhala language. There language is quite interesting, Veddas call boys as “Kaekula”, Girls as “Kaekuli”, and they call “going” mangacchanawa. The language is unique to its own.
- Livelihood
Most Veddas were hunters and gatherers in the beginning. However it is now prohibited to hunt in Sri lankan forests. Therefore, the Veddas are dependant on Chena cultivation. They grow their own vegetables and pulses. The Vedda community is now given significance as the only indigenous community in our Nation, therefore most locals and tourists often visit Veddas to get a taste of their lives. In doing so, the Veddas have built up several business prospects with the selling of various ornaments, and jewellery that the make.
- Clothes
The earliest known Veddas are said to have been wearing loincloths made out of leaves off of trees. And the later veddas were quite scantily clad in brief loincloths. However, now they have moved on to Sarongs, and skirts and frocks. The manner in which the Veddas dress is quite modernized. They are interacting with the outside world more often. There has been cases of individuals from the Vedda community being educated in Universities. Dambane Gunawaradane is one such descendant.
These indigenous people of Sri Lanka are quite admirable, as they constantly attempt to preserve their culture in the face of the changing world. Uruwarige Wannilaettho’s son, is preparing to take over his father’s position as chief and is willing to contribute towards preserving their culture. The Veddas lead simple, minimalistic lifestyles in mud huts erected within their jungle premises. There seems to be a strong sense of culture among the community. The little ones are raised to behave in a certain way and are taught the many customs of the veddas, in order to ensure the sustainability of the culture.
A smile and looking in these eyes of the Veddas, as you return there handshake is enough to bridge the gap between the two cultures.