IntelScoops

DAMBANA, Sri Lanka — The centuries-old cultural heritage of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda community has received a transformative boost with the comprehensive reconstruction of the Vedda Heritage Museum in Dambana. This ambitious initiative, led by Solidaridad under the European Union-funded Developing Resources and Empowering Communities (DeREC) project, marks a pioneering effort in cultural preservation combined with community empowerment.

The Vedda people, recognised as the island’s last remaining forest-dwelling indigenous group, have faced increasing economic and environmental challenges over recent decades. The revitalized museum aims to safeguard their rich cultural legacy—stretching back thousands of years—while providing new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

A historic milestone of the project was the repatriation of ancestral Vedda skeletal remains and cultural artifacts from the Natural History Museum in Basel, Switzerland. These invaluable items, some dating back over 300 years, were originally collected by the Sarasin brothers during the early 18th century. Now, they serve as the centerpiece of the museum’s renewed exhibits.

“This is more than just bringing artifacts home – it’s about reconnecting our community with our ancestors and our identity,” said Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, Chief of the Vedda community and a key figure in the project’s development.

The repatriation was made possible through close collaboration between Solidaridad, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, exemplifying the impact of international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.

The museum’s successful transformation was driven by a multi-stakeholder consortium model, uniting government bodies, indigenous foundations, and academic experts. This partnership ensured that the project not only preserves history but also fosters community development and resilience.

As Sri Lanka seeks to balance modern development with respect for its diverse cultural fabric, the revival of the Vedda Heritage Museum stands as a powerful symbol of heritage reclaimed, identity restored, and futures reimagined for one of the country’s most unique indigenous communities.