The national celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was held yesterday morning (09th) at the Indigenous Museum in Dambana under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Sri Lanka’s foremost indigenous leader, Vishwa Keerthi Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, began the tradition of celebrating this day in Sri Lanka after attending the Indigenous Summit in Geneva in 1996. The first national celebration took place in 1999 at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.
This year’s event, organised by both public and private institutions, featured vibrant cultural performances unique to the indigenous community, including the traditional ‘Kiri Koraha’ ritual to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity.
The ceremony began with President Dissanayake paying floral tributes to the statue of the late indigenous leader Uruwarige Tisahami Aththo, followed by planting a white sandalwood sapling in the museum’s courtyard.
On this occasion, the current indigenous leader, Vishwa Keerthi Sri Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, presented the President with a message outlining the community’s concerns and a commemorative plaque. In return, the President presented a gift to the leader.
The celebration also included the start of stalls showcasing and selling indigenous products, the launch of Sri Lanka’s first indigenous herbal soap “Kairie,” made with traditional knowledge and local ingredients, and the awarding of certificates to indigenous women who completed Ayurvedic soap-making training.
Among the attendees were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, other ministers, government officials, Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh, officials from the Canadian High Commission, and invited guests.
