Archives

Vannila Aththo requests Minister Fowzie : Allow veddah community to protect jungle

by Florence Wickramage

Uruvarige Vannila Aththo has requested Environment and Natural Resources Minister A. H. M. Fowzie to grant him and his community legal permission to protect the jungle and also issue them with national identity cards. Vannila Aththo made this request when he met Minister Fowzie at his Ministry recently.

The Veddah Chieftan further said that he could enlist the support of the younger members of his community to protect the environment and requested for a payment for their services from the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry. During discussions with the Minister regarding problems their community was facing Vannila Aththo said that even though the President had by letter granted the community permission to enter the jungle the Wildlife officials whilst ignoring same had even taken some members of the community into custody.

In the meantime the Wildlife officials were not taking action against illegal timber fellers who were ruining the jungle, Vannila Aththo complained.

He further added that theirs was a community acclimatised to jungle life and various rituals like Kiri Koraha and veneration of the dead.

The Veddah community had for generations protected the jungle because it was a part of their life and requested the Minister to obtain Cabinet approval for the community to perform their rituals unhindered. At present 234 families comprised his community and around 34 members are facing legal charges and unable to pay fines.

Minister Fowzie promised the Veddah Chieftain that he would look into his grievances and grant possible redress.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

www.Pathmaconstruction.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager