The Vedda community is facing serious economic hardship following Cyclone Ditwah, despite their areas not being directly affected by floods or landslides, according to Vedda Chieftain Uruwarige Wannila Aththo.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said the cyclone’s indirect impact has been deeply felt through the sharp decline in tourism, which has become the primary source of income for many Vedda families in recent years. With tourist arrivals coming to a standstill after the cyclone, livelihoods connected to guided visits, cultural interactions, and the sale of traditional handicrafts have been severely disrupted.
“There were no floods or landslides in our areas, but tourism has completely stopped. Without tourists, our people have no way to earn a living,” he said, adding that the loss of income has placed families under significant financial strain.
While noting that the Vedda community has traditionally lived independently without relying on State assistance, Wannila Aththo said the current situation is exceptionally difficult. He stated that they do not make demands and acknowledge that other communities were more severely affected by the disaster, but would welcome any Government livelihood relief during this period of hardship.
Cyclone Ditwah disrupted economic activity across many parts of the country, even in regions that escaped physical damage. Travel restrictions, cancellations, and reduced visitor confidence significantly affected Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, with community-based tourism among the hardest hit.
Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community has increasingly depended on small-scale tourism as a sustainable livelihood, making the prolonged downturn a serious concern for their economic survival.
