Despite the fact that the world treats indigenous communities with a sympathetic eye, there is no need to look at our indigenous people with sympathy. Even though indigenous people in other countries are confronted with the threat of extinction, our people live with a heritage in this country since the past, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (July 31), addressing the World Indigenous People’s Day celebrations held on the Sallative coastal area, Wakarai.

He also reminded that when Weera Keppetipola Nilame rebelled against the British Empire, his fight for freedom was supported by the Vedda people, and they are privileged to make the offering of bee honey to the Sacred Tooth Relic, and to tend the Procession at Kataragama Devala, which exemplify the Veda people’s heritage in this country.

The President added that the terrorism that once existed in this country severely affected the indigenous people as it affected all of us, and the LTTE had forcibly conscripted a large number of children from indigenous communities many of whom died. He also emphasized that with the eradication of the 30 year LTTE terrorism, an environment has been created in which the indigenous people in this country can live without fear.

Speaking in Tamil, President Rajapaksa noted that the United Nations Organization is also interested in the affairs of the indigenous communities. Indigenous customs such as ‘nadukal walipadu’ and ‘kawaldeiwa walipadu’ still exist among indigenous people, and the original history must not be forgotten, he stressed.

The development work that was at a standstill for thirty years will be started in Wakarai, he said, and the people will be provided with facilities that are available to other citizens, such as education, health, highways and transportation. He also mentioned that facilities are well in place to register them as ‘indigenous’ people.