President invites Adivasis to Temple Trees

Shanika SRIYANANDA

For 'Wanniya-laeto', the forest dwellers of Sri Lanka, July 31 was a memorable day not because they celebrated World Indigenous Day, but because they had the opportunity to pay tribute to the leader who freed them and their land, from the world's ruthless terrorists.

Being Sri Lanka's indigenous inhabitants, the 'Veddahs' struggle to keep their dying traditions alive apart from facing the threat of losing their traditional habitats. The, remaining population of the Veddah community still manages to preserve their cultural identity and traditional lifestyle.

Last Sunday, traditional Veddah dancers welcomed the Chief Guest - President Mahinda Rajapaksa - at the main event to celebrate the Day at the Sallative beach, Vakarai. The Veddah chief Uruwarige Wanniyalage Aththo warmly welcomed the President.

A large number of Veddhas gathered at the beach to catch a glimpse of the leader who restored peace. " As we annihilated the LTTE, we are celebrating this important day, which was celebrated in Dambana, for the first time in the Eastern region. The LTTE made a huge impact on the lives of Adivasi's (Veddah) like how they destroyed the lives of all other communities. While the LTTE terrorised these areas, they abducted children and youth of the Adivasis for military training. This government has changed that deadly situation and brought a peaceful era for everyone to live in harmony in united country", the President said.

He said although the world treats indigenous communities with a sympathetic eye, there was no need to look at Sri Lanka's 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. The Adivasis should not be exhibited but we should take steps to preserve their traditions and culture while granting their rights in society.

This government will ensure their rights and it is our responsibility to preserve the indigenous people of this country. At a time when they lost the right to hunt in the jungles, this government restored their rights".

"When Weera Keppetipola Nilame rebelled against the British Empire, his fight for freedom was supported by the Veddah people, and they are privileged to make the offering of bees honey to the Sacred Tooth Relic, and to attend the Procession at the Kataragama Devala, which exemplifies the Veddah heritage in this country. 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 emphasised that with the eradication of three decades of terrorism, an environment has been created in which the indigenous people in this country can live without fear".

"The United Nations Organization is also interested in affairs of indigenous communities. Indigenous customs such as nadukal walipadu and kawaldeiwa walipadu still exist among them, and their original history must not be forgotten. Development work that was at a standstill for thirty years will be started in Vakarai, 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", speaking in Tamil he said.

"I request you not to forget your history. maintain your identity. Give the best education to your children. This government is committed to look after the future of the Adivasi people. You too can join with us to develop the country and also to maintain the peace brought through blood, sweat and immense dedication", he said.

Respecting their tradition, President Rajapaksa told the Adivasi chief that they will be entertained with their weapons into Temple Trees even though this is not the general rule.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and former Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday on a three-day visit met President Rajapaksa over breakfast. According to sources, it was a 'farewell' for Rao's special relationship she had with Sri Lanka.

With the unfortunate attack on the News Editor of Jaffna based Uthayan newspaper, Gnanasundaram Kuganathan by an armed gang, President Rajapaksa instructed the Police Chief N. K. Illangakoon to submit a report on the assault. The 59-year-old journalist was attacked by two unidentified men on a motorbike while he was returning home after work on Friday evening. He suffered serious injuries and was admitted to the Jaffna Hospital . He is now receiving treatment at the Intensive care Unit as his condition is critical .

The initial report of the probe was handed over to the President by IGP Illangakoon on August 2 and the Police is investigating the matter further.

On Thursday President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the new UPFA District Head Office in the Gampaha district. It is the first district office of the party. He also inspected the home garden at the headquarters, where vegetables and herbal plants are grown. Meanwhile, at the progress review meeting of the ministries of Agriculture, Livestock Development, Environment and Wildlife, Water Management and Economic Development at Temple Trees, President instructed agriculture officials to direct farmers to cultivate crops with high market demand.

He said farmers face difficulties selling their harvest, especially paddy since the varieties they produce are not compatible with market demands. He instructed officials to introduce paddy varieties that meet the needs of the consumer to farmers. "Officials of government institutions should practise simple methods to solve problems pertaining to the public. Otherwise development goals cannot be achieved easily", he said.

The President stressed the need to introduce rice varieties having a bigger consumer demand to farmers to help them overcome marketing problems." Although farmers throughout the country cultivated rice with much enthusiasm, many of them found difficulty in marketing their produce as the rice varieties they offered did not suit market demand. To save farmers from this difficulty they should be advised to cultivate varieties that are in demand".

"The delay in solving problems relating to institutions under the purview of Ministries was mainly caused due to the delay in delegating power to officers concerned. This delay impeded attempts to achieve development targets. Therefore simple procedures should be adopted to delegate such problem solving powers to officials concerned", President Rajapaksa said.