Deep in the forests near Mahiyanganaya lives one of the world's oldest indigenous communities—the Vedda people. With a history stretching back over 18,000 years, visiting Dambana village offers a rare window into Sri Lanka's ancient past.
Who Are The Vedda People?
The Vedda (also spelled Veddah or Wanniyala-Aetto, meaning "forest dwellers") are Sri Lanka's aboriginal people. Archaeological evidence suggests their Neolithic ancestors inhabited the island long before Prince Vijaya's legendary arrival in the 5th century BC.
Today, only around 350 Vedda families remain, primarily living in Dambana village on the borders of Maduru Oya National Park. Despite centuries of pressure to assimilate, they've fiercely maintained their unique language, customs, and way of life.
Traditional Vedda Life
The Vedda have traditionally lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on the forest for everything—food, medicine, clothing, and shelter. Their intimate knowledge of the jungle has been passed down through countless generations.
Traditional Skills You Can Witness:
- Archery: Hunting with handmade bows and arrows—still practiced for demonstrations
- Honey Harvesting: Climbing tall trees to collect wild honeycomb from the forest
- Traditional Fishing: Using pounded bark and natural plant poisons to stun fish
- Fire Making: Creating fire using traditional friction methods
- Tool Crafting: Making axes, knives, and hunting implements from stone and wood
- Traditional Dance: Ceremonial dances performed around campfires at dusk
Visiting Dambana Village
Dambana is located about 20km from Mahiyanganaya town, roughly 300km east of Colombo. The village sits on the edge of Maduru Oya National Park, surrounded by dry zone forests that the Vedda have called home for millennia.
The Vedda Museum — Your first stop in the village. The museum houses an impressive collection of traditional tools, weapons, carvings, and paintings that tell the story of Vedda history and culture.
Meeting the Chief — The current chief, Uruwarige Wanniyala Aththo, often welcomes visitors personally. His permission is traditionally required for participating in community activities.
Jungle Trekking — Guided walks through the forest with Vedda guides who demonstrate traditional hunting, gathering, and survival techniques.
Traditional Meals — Experience authentic Vedda cuisine—boiled yams, coal-cooked fish, wild honey, and forest vegetables prepared in traditional ways.
Evening Ceremonies — As the sun sets, the village comes alive with traditional dancing around a blazing campfire, accompanied by ancient folk songs and rhythmic music.
Practical Information
- Getting There: ~300km from Colombo, ~78km from Kandy (2.5 hours drive). The final road is rough—4WD recommended.
- Duration: Allow 3-4 hours for a meaningful visit, or arrange an overnight stay for deeper immersion.
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon. Warm weather year-round.
- Booking: Arrange through authorized tour operators or contact village administration. Weekdays are less crowded.
- Respect: The Vedda welcome curious visitors but ask that you respect their customs and seek appropriate permissions.
- Nearby: Combine with visits to Maduru Oya National Park or the ancient Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya temple.
Why This Matters
The Vedda community is one of the last remaining windows into humanity's ancient past. Their knowledge of the forest, traditional medicine, and sustainable living represents thousands of years of accumulated wisdom that is rapidly disappearing.
Visiting Dambana isn't just tourism—it's an opportunity to witness and support the preservation of one of the world's oldest living cultures. Your visit helps provide economic incentive for younger generations to maintain their heritage rather than abandon it for modern city life.
Conclusion
A visit to the Vedda community in Dambana is unlike anything else in Sri Lanka. It's a step back in time to experience traditions that predate recorded history—archery, fire-making, jungle survival, and communal ceremonies that have remained unchanged for millennia. If you're seeking an authentic cultural experience beyond the usual tourist trail, the Vedda people offer something genuinely rare and profoundly moving.
