A discussion organized by the Ministry of Environment on the progress of the Parliamentary bill prepared to ensure the rights of indigenous community and to resolve existing legal issues regarding their fundamental rights was held at the Parliament Complex with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday (22).
Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo, the leader of Vedda community who participated in this discussion explained the historical value of their community and drew the attention of the Prime Minister to the issues they are currently facing. He further mentioned about the Indigenous Rights Act prepared in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pointed out that the issues faced by indigenous people in their daily lives had not been properly addressed even though the previous Governments had taken several measures in that regard.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi said that the Veddas are a historical asset of the country and it is essential to protect them and ensure their rights.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi stated that the Ministry of Environment will take the necessary steps to enact the necessary laws and regulations to protect the rights of the indigenous people in Sri Lanka.
Officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Wildlife explained the status-quo and the future measures that will be followed on addressing the issues.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the indigenous community plays a vital role and that the rights enjoyed by everyone else should also be enjoyed by the indigenous community. The Premier, who paid attention to the existing legal and technical issues to minimize the problems faced by them as an indigenous community, requested the officials to take the necessary legal action to assure the rights of the indigenous people within the next three months.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Member of Parliament Sugath Balagalla, Director General of Wildlife Suriyabandara, a group of officials representing the Ministry of Environment and the Centre for Policy Alternatives and members of the indigenous community participated the discussion.
