The longstanding issue of granting forest access to the Vedda community is nearing its final stages, with the Government preparing to introduce a legal framework to formalise their rights, it is learnt.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (29), Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said that a Bill to allow Vedda community members to enter forests under regulated conditions will soon be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers. He noted that the proposed legal framework aims to ensure that they are permitted to make use of forest resources without causing harm to the environment.

“Specific areas within forests will be identified and declared as permitted zones for them. When the legal changes are introduced, special identity (ID) cards will be issued to eligible individuals to facilitate their entry into these designated areas. The process to ensure these rights must be introduced through properly established laws. That process is now nearing completion,” he said.

Vedda Chieftain Uruwarige Wannila Aththo has been claiming that many longstanding issues faced by the Vedda community remain unresolved. Among them, he said the lack of access to forests continues to affect their daily life, including religious practices and cultural traditions.

The Veddah community is believed to have inhabited Sri Lanka prior to the Sixth Century BC.