Tissahamy's statue for World's Indigenous People

by Ananda AGALAKADA

Anil Nishantha Arumapura, a young sculptor of Kadawatha, has made a statue of Vedda Chief Tissahamy to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on August 8. Indigenous leader of Dambana, the late Tissahamy died on May 29, 1998.

The icon Vedda figure is important to us in numerous ways.

As the chief of an ancient indigenous tribe the Adivasis had their own identity, language, culture and lifestyle.

Tissahamy wanted to build a strong generation and he often worked towards achieving his ambition. Even though the Dambana village had developed gradually Tissahamy was never willing to change his tribal views.

Although some segments of indigenous people received higher education, they never forgot their leader's wishes.

The people of Dambana had deified Tissahamy expecting him to protect their ethos.

Anil Arumapura worked as a freelancer for many newspapers before turning his attention to sculpture. When he learned that the people in Dambana wished to have a sculpture of Tissahamy he rose to the occasion.

According to Uruwarige Wanniala Aththo, (the present chief of Veddhas) the statue of Tissahamy was made by Anil with his funds.

He has spent about Rs. 150,000 for the statue which has been installed in front of the Cultural Centre in Dambana.Thissahamy grasping a handful of soil in his hand told his people - that people, fauna and flora would exist as long as the land existed. When it is destroyed, everything will disappear. Anil has captured the essence of Tissahamy's message in the sculpture.