It is reported that a special meeting was held between tribal leader Uruwarige Vanniyellathan and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament premises yesterday.
The problems faced by the indigenous people of this country were discussed at this meeting. It is reported that Indigenous people Uruwarige Vanniyellathan drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the difficulties faced by his people in using their traditional lands.
The Prime Minister said that her government recognizes that the indigenous people have the right to enjoy their traditional lands without hindrance. The Prime Minister also told the Indigenous people that necessary steps will be taken immediately to legally enforce that right.
The Indigenous people informed the Prime Minister that the residents of Hennanigala, an indigenous village, were affected by the recent Cyclone Ditwa, but they had not received any relief so far. The Prime Minister, who took immediate action, immediately informed the relevant officials and took steps to provide formal relief to the families, the Prime Minister’s Media Division states.