Dambana Vaddah Village | AmazingLanka.com

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"Wannila Aththo" at Dambana — “Wannila Aththo” at Dambana

Dambana Vedda Village, considered the principal settlement of the last surviving aboriginal community of Sri Lanka, lies about 20 kilometers from Mahiyangana on the border of the Maduru Oya Wildlife Reservation. The village can be reached by traveling inland from Mahiyangana toward the forested dry zone that stretches along the eastern boundary of the reservation.

The Wannila Aththo People

The indigenous inhabitants of this region were referred to in ancient sources as the Yaksha tribe. In later historical periods they became known as Vedda (meaning “hunter”). Today they identify themselves as Aadi Waasi (aboriginal people) and more specifically as Wannila Aththo, meaning “forest dwellers.”

Over the course of history, most of these original inhabitants gradually merged with the surrounding communities. Many were absorbed into mainstream Sinhala society in regions such as the North Central and Uva provinces, while others along the eastern coast became integrated into Tamil communities. As a result, only a few thousand members of the Wannila Aththo remain today, living in small settlements scattered across the forest margins of the dry zone. Many families who once relied on hunting have now adopted agriculture as their main livelihood.

The Wannila Aththo possess a distinctive language that bears close similarities to Sinhala but also preserves unique vocabulary and expressions. Their religious traditions include offerings to various deities, and they maintain the belief that the spirits of their deceased ancestors return as yakkas who watch over and protect the family.

The Leadership of the Community

The settlement of Dambana serves as the residence of the tribal leader, known as the Maha-Hoora. His house is one of the main points of interest for visitors to the village. When the chief is absent, one of his brothers usually assumes the role of welcoming and interacting with guests. On some occasions the chief may be away in the forest tending to his chena cultivation.

One of the primary responsibilities of the leader is to receive visitors and explain the traditions and lifestyle of the community. During such interactions he typically speaks in his own language, though he understands Sinhala well. Meetings with elders of the community usually take place in two traditional clay huts within the settlement.

The Tomb of Tissahami

An important site associated with the village is the tomb of Tissahami, a former leader of the Wannila Aththo. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 116. Born in 1882, he became the chief at the age of fifteen and is said to have guided the community for more than a century.

The tomb is located about 0.5 kilometers into the Maduru Oya forest from the huts of the Maha-Hoora. Visitors who wish to see it are usually accompanied by someone from the village, as the path through the jungle can be difficult to locate without guidance.

Visiting the Village (Entry Fees and Other)

There is no formal entrance fee to visit Dambana Vedda Village, although visitors are generally expected to make a voluntary contribution to the community. A local guide may also offer to accompany visitors to nearby sites such as the tomb of Tissahami.

It is common for children from the village to approach visitors near the parking area, offering to act as guides or requesting donations for school supplies. While such interactions can be persistent, they reflect the economic challenges faced by many families in the community today.

Walk through the tree cover to the Dambana Village

A clay house at the Dambana Vaddah Village

A clay hut at the Dambana Vaddah Village

The tomb of Tisahami, the Maha Huura of the Wannila Aththo at Dambana Vaddah Village

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