Legal steps needed to resolve issues facing indigenous people

Indigenous leader Uruwarige Vanniyalattan, who participated in this discussion and explained the historical value of the Vedda people, drew the attention of the Prime Minister to the problems they are currently facing.

Prime minister

Explaining the Indigenous Rights Act prepared in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the problems faced by indigenous peoples in their daily lives, the indigenous leader pointed out that despite the measures taken by the previous governments, their problems have not been properly resolved.

Prime minister

Speaking at the event, Minister of Culture Sunil Senevi said that the Vedda people are a historical asset of the country and it is essential to protect them and protect their rights.

Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi stated that the Ministry of Environment will take immediate steps to enact the necessary laws and regulations to protect the rights of indigenous peoples.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Wildlife explained the current legal situation and future measures for this purpose.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that indigenous peoples are a part of our country and that the rights that are due to everyone should also be enjoyed by indigenous peoples. The Prime Minister, who drew attention to the existing legal and technical issues to minimize the problems they face as an indigenous people, asked the officials to take the necessary legal measures to win the rights of indigenous peoples within the next three months.

Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Culture Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Member of Parliament Sugath Balagalla, Director General of Wildlife Suriyabandara, along with officials representing the Ministry of Environment and the Centre for Policy Alternatives and a group of indigenous people participated in this event.