We were cheated in the name of cultural tourism - Vedda Chief

By Ranjith Karunaweera - Mahiyangana

Colombo, Feb. 11 (Daily Mirror) - Vedda Chief Uruwarigelage Vannila Aththo has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the exploitation of his community and their age-old traditions for commercial gain, alleging that certain groups are misusing indigenous culture under the guise of promoting tourism.

He told the media yesterday in Dambana that organized groups of touts are misusing the culture of his clan as a showpiece.

Elaborating on this fraud and the dubious activities of the touts he said he had been watchful of the racket which has been going on unchecked.

“My clan has inherited a history spanning several centuries. It is with great difficulty that we have protected that long heritage in several villages. However, it is sad that our culture is facing serious challenges. It is being ruined by the present generation, making their culture a money making venture.

Visitors are subject to ruthless exploitation by touts pestering tourists. They by force board the vehicles entering the Vedda village at Mawaragala monastery or at Dambana junction. This has prevented tourists from watching the scenic beauty of the area and the important places at their free will and to make their visit enjoyable and gainful. The touts cheat the tourists and I often receive complaints about their surreptitious activities. The victims of this racket have blamed me for being silent about it.”

“In fact, I have not turned a deaf ear to their complaints and I met these organized groups and warned them and informed the relevant authorities but to no avail. I would not allow any money making ventures. The tourists should not depend on any tour guide to visit our village. They can contact the officials of the museum who are prepared to help them, ” Vannila Ettho said.

He further said as a last resort, he decided to create public awareness through the media to save visitors from racketeers.