The national celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was held this morning (09) at the Indigenous Museum premises in Dambana, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Sri Lanka’s foremost indigenous leader, Vishwa Keerthi Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, initiated the tradition of celebrating this day locally after participating in the Indigenous Summit held in Geneva in 1996. The first national celebration in Sri Lanka was held in 1999 at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.
This year’s event, jointly organised by various public and private institutions, showcased vibrant cultural performances unique to the indigenous community, including the traditional Kiri Koraha ritual performed to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) reported.
The ceremony began with President Dissanayake paying floral tributes to the statue of the late indigenous leader Uruwarige Tisahami Aththo, followed by the planting of a white sandalwood sapling in the museum’s central courtyard.
On this occasion, the current indigenous community leader, Vishwa Keerthi Sri Vanaspathi Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, presented the President with a message outlining the community’s concerns, along with a commemorative plaque. The President, in turn, presented a gift to the indigenous leader.
The event also marked the commencement of stalls showcasing and selling indigenous products, as well as the launch of Sri Lanka’s first indigenous herbal soap, Kairie, crafted using traditional knowledge and locally sourced ingredients. Certificates were awarded to indigenous women who had successfully completed an Ayurvedic soap-making training programme.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, other Ministers, senior government officials, Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Eric Walsh, officials from the Canadian High Commission, and other invited guests.
