Monday Aug 10, 2026
Monday Aug 10, 2026
Monday, 10 August 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (left) with Aadi Vasi Chief Uruwarige Wannila Aththo
Sri Lanka’s Indigenous communities are to receive legal identification and formal recognition under new measures announced by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as the Government moves ahead with a legal framework to address longstanding concerns over their rights and traditional way of life.
Speaking at World Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 celebrations held at the Indigenous Heritage Museum premises in Dambana yesterday, Dr. Amarasuriya said an Extraordinary Gazette notification addressing several issues affecting Indigenous communities had been signed under the direction of the Minister responsible for the environment.
The measures include the registration of Indigenous communities, issuance of legal identification and provisions allowing Indigenous people to enter forests as part of their traditional livelihoods and daily activities.
Dr. Amarasuriya said the steps were expected to provide long-term solutions to issues faced by Indigenous communities and enable them to safeguard their rights and cultural practices while continuing their traditional way of life.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the long-awaited Indigenous Peoples Bill had been submitted to Cabinet, with discussions on the proposed legislation expected to commence this week.
She said Indigenous leader Uruwarige Wannila Aththo and members of the Indigenous community had engaged successive governments over several years seeking legislation specifically addressing their rights, but the process had not previously been completed.
According to Dr. Amarasuriya, the proposed legislation was referred to Cabinet following the intervention of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
