Long-standing concerns over the rights, cultural heritage and traditional way of life of Sri Lanka’s Vedda community are now moving towards government action.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Bill has reached the Cabinet, marking a new step towards addressing these concerns.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government will consult Vedda representatives and relevant institutions before it moves forward with the Bill.
The Vedda community has sought the Bill for many years. Previous governments also held talks on the proposed law.
The current government has now started the formal process to introduce the legislation.
New measures for the Vedda community
The government has also introduced measures to address some immediate concerns.
Environment Minister Sunil Senevi has signed a gazette notification covering several issues raised by the Vedda community.
The new measures will allow community members to enter forest areas. The government will also register indigenous Vedda people.
They will receive legally recognised identity cards as part of the process.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said these measures could offer lasting solutions to several problems faced by the community.
The government has also sped up relief for Vedda people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
Amarasuriya said development should protect the heritage of the indigenous community. She said it should not come at the cost of their traditional way of life.
She also said protecting indigenous peoples’ rights under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a shared responsibility.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at the World Indigenous Day 2026 celebrations at the Dambana Indigenous Heritage Museum.
Cabinet Decisions Government Decisions Prime Minister’s Office
Last modified: August 10, 2026
