veddha life is often threatened

The Veddha leader Uruwarige Wannia told BBC Sandeshaya, the tribesmen were arrested by forestry officers for carrying firearms inside the Maduru Oya sanctuary where they were gathering honey.

We are not barbarians

The arrests were made despite notifying the authorities in advance of the honey gathering party. The honey was to be a part of the traditional offering by the community for Kandy Perehera.

“We did not carry arms to harm animals. We know how to protect ourselves from the leopards and the bears. We carried two guns for self defence because there are all sorts of illegal activity going in the park. Those criminals do not like us.” Wannilatto told BBC Sandeshaya.

We are not barbarians who would go around killing animals while gathering honey for a sacred offering - Veddha chief

“We requested protection, but the authorities did not even acknowledge our letter. We know some of the officials are involved in logging and poaching. They do not like us because we report these incidents. We are not barbarians who would go around killing animals while gathering honey for a sacred offering”.

no honey offering

The honey gatherers were released on bail while the leader Wannia awaited the arrival of a government official to resolve the issue.

“They said they would come to talk to us. We are often deceived by these officials. We are very angry and frustrated, but we can’t start a war like Tamil people. We can tell everyone about our plight. That is what we are going to do”. Says the leader of the Veddhas.

I can assure you that they would not be harmed by loggers. Loggers will never harm the Veddhas - Director wildlife

Director of wildlife Ananda Wijesuriya told Sandeshaya that the minister of environment had advised him to refrain from taking further legal action against the honey gatherers.

“I can assure you that they would not be harmed by loggers. Loggers will not harm the Veddhas” assured the Director of wildlife.

logging with help from above

"We do not have enough manpower to escort the Veddhas during honey gathering". He further added.

When asked about the action taken against the loggers, the director said the authorities are taking “necessary steps” against them.

The Director did not explain how he could give a guarantee on the behaviour of illegal loggers operating inside the sanctuary. The Veddha leader insisted that his tribesmen were afraid of the loggers because the criminal activities within the sanctuary happens with the blessings of high officials.

However, Uruwarige Wannia has decided to not to go ahead with the traditional honey offering this year as a protest to the arrest of his people.