26/02/2023
Veddah Village in Dambana
Vedda Village in Dambana can be inscribed as one of the most iconic destinations in the Mahiyanganaya and the country itself. The pride of Sri Lankan Heritage, the indigenous tribe of Veddhas, comes from a much older past than prince Vijaya’s landing in the 5th century BC. Archaeological proof intimate that modern Veddha’s Neolithic ancestors inhabited this island as far back as 10,000 BC. On the contrary to popular belief, it is alleged that Veddhas are the origin of the Sinhala race as their language is an ancient dialect of the Sinhala language. Today, the remaining Veddha population is limited to the Dambana area, close to Maduru Oya sanctuary.
The tribe does not spectacle much change in their lifestyle from the Stone Age to modern times. The anthropologist Verrier Elwin (1902-1964) defines the Veddha community in Sri Lanka as a forest dweller that ceased to exist as a separate community by hunting, gathering, cultivating and harvesting. He also mentions that it is miraculous that in a world that evolves daily, buddhas still struggle to protect their inheritance. However, today, the Veddha’s are more modernized as far as clothes and commerce are concerned. Veddha’s further collect bee’s honey and exchange it with the locals for axe blades and clothing.
The Sri Lankan government has allowed the natives to hunt legally to sustain themselves within particular areas in Dambana. Most utmost of the meat the forest Vedda eat is venison or anything extra they can pursue. They use a bow and arrow for the quick and silent ex*****on of the hunt.
