• Welcome any Govt. livelihood relief due to serious econ. hardship 

The Vedda Chieftain, Uruwarige Wannila Aththo said the Vedda community is facing serious economic hardship following Cyclone Ditwah, despite not being directly affected by floods or landslides caused by the disaster.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said the impact of the cyclone has been felt indirectly, particularly through the sharp decline in tourism, which is the main source of income for many families in the community. “There were no floods or landslides in our areas, but the effects of the cyclone have reached us in a different way. There are no tourists now, and without tourism, most of our people have no way to earn a living,” he said.

He added the loss of income has created severe financial difficulties for families who depend on tourism-related activities, and they would therefore welcome some relief from the Government. "Our community traditionally lives independently and does not rely on State assistance. But, these days are difficult. We don’t demand anything. There are people who were affected more severely than us. However, if the Government can provide us with some relief, we would welcome it."

Ditwah disrupted economic activity across several parts of the country, even in areas that did not experience direct physical damage. Travel restrictions, cancellations, and reduced visitor arrivals in the aftermath of the cyclone had a significant impact on the tourism sector, affecting livelihoods linked to local and community-based tourism.

The Vedda community, Sri Lanka’s indigenous people, has long relied on small-scale tourism as a primary source of income in recent years. Visitors to Vedda settlements engage in guided tours, cultural exchanges, and the purchase of traditional handicrafts.