It is home to the last remaining tribe of Sri Lanka’s indigenous people Veddahs were once hunters and gatherers but they also practiced slash and burn agriculture. Today, like most aboriginal populations, their way of life is at threat because Sri Lankan law prohibits hunting in National Parks. They have preserved their own language but many today speak Sinhalese as well. This tribe led by Uruvarige Vannila Aththo is famously known for their rich meat diet, derived from the animals they hunted in the forest. Though originally living in caves, the Veddahs of today live in unpretentious huts of wattle, daub, and thatch. Dotted around the compounds and homes of these people are intricately created ornaments, made according to traditional methods. Visitors to this fascinating village have the opportunity to meet and chat with the people who live there, learn about their traditions, and gain a unique insight into their way of life.
