Introduction / History
The Veddas are indigenous natives of Sri Lanka and perhaps the oldest ethnic group in that country. They like to live their original traditional lifestyles. Now there is a danger of them becoming extinct.

The Vedda are called forest dwellers. They hunt using bows and arrows and fish too. Some of them do farming. Women are not classed as inferior and property goes in same amounts to men and women. They speak their own Vedda language which has some similarities to Sinhalese.

The Vedda are animists or follow totemism by religion. They have cousin marriages but more women are marrying their neighbors now and so they are becoming more integrated.

The Vedda have songs about nature and enjoy producing drawings.

Where are they located?
They are located in the villages north of Dambana and Pollebedda and Rathugala.

What are their lives like?
Most Veddahs are now assimilated into Sinhalese farmers communities, except for Damabane tribe who keep much of their traditions and language alive, mainly to earn income from tourists.

What are their beliefs?
The Vedda are animistic and believe in spirits and the effect of charms.

What are their needs?
There is lot of pressure from the Sinhalese on the Veddahs to become Buddist. The Sinhalese Buddist community sees them as a their ancestors.

Prayer Points
Pray that Sri Lankan Christians will help lead the Vedda to Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Vedda will not become extinct.