Sri Lankan tribals fearing extinction of their tribe have appealed to the United Nations (UN) to save them. People belonging to the Wannyala-Atto, or forest people, lived for years in the jungles but had to disappear when the forests were declared as conservative areas in 1993.
They have been forced to adopt customs alien to them, said Uru Warige Wanniya, a representative of the tribe. More than 500 representatives of natives all over the world are currently in Geneva to plead their case with the UN working group on indigenous people.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.