‘Govt will safeguard rights of Adivasis’

Dharma Sri Abeyratne in Vakarai

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the government as a people-friendly government will stand for strengthening and safeguarding the rights of the Adivasis.

The President was addressing a ceremony which was held yesterday at Vakarai to coincide with the World Indigenous People’s day.

Nearly 1,000 indigenous people from various parts of the country including Ratugala, Pollebedda, Hennanigala, Dalukana, and Dambana were present.

President Rajapaksa was warmly received by the Adivasis showcasing their cultural activities including singing and dancing at the venue at the Vakarai beach.

In line with the ceremony, leader of the Adivasis Uruwarige Wanniyale Aththo signed an MOU with Wildlife Department officials. Addressing the gathering, the President noted that the government will provide a conducive atmosphere for the Adivasis, where they can live with dignity. Unlike in the past, the Adivasis will not be used as exhibits at events. The government has safeguarded their rights giving due respect to them.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that Adivasis have been given due recognition at all times. As a result of that, the leader of the Adivasis can hold talks even with the President.

President Rajapaksa further added that the Adivasis are keen in protecting the environment. They live with the environment and the jungle. Unlike timber dealers the Adivasis protect the jungles and the environment.

‘The Adivasi Day was celebrated in areas where the Adivasis call their original habitats, such as, Dambana and Mahiyangana. Due to the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the country, after the eradication of terrorism, the government was able to hold the Adivasi day in Vakarai. Vakarai was a place which was controlled by terrorists,’ the President recalled.

The President further noted that the Adivasis were also badly affected by terrorism.

“Their children were forcefully taken away by LTTE cadres who recruited these children as child soldiers. But now every person in the country can live with a peace of mind sans fear of death.

“As usual, children in other parts of the country and the children of the Adivasis can engage in their academic activities.”

Ministers S.M. Chandrasena, T.B. Ekanayaka, Deputy Minister V. Muralitharan and Eastern Province Chief Minister S. Chandrakanthan and several other political and community leaders participated in the ceremony.