HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Veddah Community Upliftment Programme

People of the Forests Who are the Veddhas?

The Veddahs are said to have descended from the island’s first inhabitants, their lives & livelihoods are deeply rooted in living in harmony with nature. They have specific methods of hunting, gathering and other traditions which are as unique as they are fascinating.

The Veddah communities live in various parts of the country including in Bintanne, Rathugala, and Mahiyangana and in coastal areas as Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

Deforestation and loss of traditional land has caused a progressive decline in their number, and the community is at risk of losing its ancient traditions, which have been handed down from generation to generation. Dilmah Conservation assisted the indigenous Veddah community of Sri Lanka to maintain their cultural identity.

Conducted first ever survey of the Eastern

Veddah Community towards identifying livelihood needs

Supported the Coastal Veddah Community

in the Eastern Province for the community’s Sadangu festivities

Supported the communities’ clan gathering, or Varigasabha, in 2011 and 2014, where

members of the Veddah Community from across Sri Lanka gathered to discuss issues they are facing

Veddah Handicraft and Pottery Centre was declared open in August 2013 and trainings were facilitated on handloom

Published Indigenous Communities in Sri Lanka: The Veddahs was released

Ahikuntaka Community Upliftment Programme

The Nomads of Sri Lanka

With rapid social and environmental changes taking place in the country today, the ahikuntaka community are faced with the unavailability of bare lands to put up tents to stay in or carry out their profession at a particular location.

Their nomadic lifestyle is threatened as they are unable to shift camping grounds and engage in vocations such as snake charming and taming monkeys for performing and fortunetelling. In addition to this, due to current economic pressures the Ahikuntaka community has been forced to engage in daily labour to sustain themselves. the Ahikuntaka Cultural Centre in Kudagama in Thambuttegama designed by the Faculty of Architecture in Moratuwa, was built in partnership with the Thambuttegama Divisional Secretariat

Published Traditional Communities of Sri Lanka: The Ahikuntaka chronicling the history of this community to preserve their cultural diversity and empower members

a baseline survey was conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the community’s socio-economic needs and concerns to better assist the community

Thoppigala Heritage Centre

Encouraging Peaceful Integration

Dilmah Conservation supported the establishment of the Thoppigala Heritage Park to commemorate the peaceful integration of all communities following the end of the civil war and to enlighten visitors on the historical, cultural and environmental importance of this area.

Planted 20,000 trees in collaboration with the Forest Department and

Sri Lanka Army to bring socio-economic benefit to the community and create a habitat for birds and animals

A Heritage Center was established at the Park, showcasing biodiversity and environment of Sri Lanka in various educational depictions

Delft Island Conservation

Conserve Water. Conserve Life.

Access to freshwater is a struggle for the residents at Delft Island, as the island’s freshwater stores are at constant threat of being contaminated with saltwater from the ocean.

Dilmah Conservation facilitated a hydrological study to find out the potential of groundwater use on the island. The study recommended the best locations and practices for groundwater abstraction and sustainable options that could be used to increase freshwater reserves.