Veddas to contest LG polls as independent group

‘Main parties have not looked after our interets’

by Norman Palihawadane

Vedda Chief Uruwarige Wannilaeththo says that his community will field its own candidates to contest the upcoming Local Government polls.Wannilaeththo told The Island that elections to the local government institutions were to be held soon, and the Veddah community would field its own candidates to look after its interests. “Our candidates will contest as independent candidates from Ampara, Wakarai, Pallebedda areas.

I have instructed the community leaders in those areas to nominate their candidates. We have been voting for the main political parties for decades. But those elected from these parties do not look after our interests. They visit us only during the times of election campaigns to get our votes. We have decided not to support any political party again. No government has cared to look after our interests,” the Vedda Chief said.