Indigenous Ratugala Community in Sri Lanka Fights to Protect Livelihoods and Cultural Heritage

The indigenous community of Ratugala, Sri Lanka is mobilizing to safeguard their traditional livelihoods and cultural heritage in the face of mounting pressures. In a recent community discussion, around 20 indigenous families, including leader Sudavannialatto, convened to address the critical issues threatening their way of life.

At the heart of the discussion was the need to strengthen the Ratugala people’s food sovereignty and preserve their deep connection to the land. “Our agricultural practices and foods are fundamental to our identity,” explained Sudavannialatto. “But we are seeing these traditions quickly eroding due to external influences.

One key proposal was to establish model farms within the Ratugala community. These farms would not only provide stable food sources, but also serve as hubs for passing down indigenous farming techniques to younger generations. Participants also highlighted the importance of developing reliable market channels to sell their produce, ensuring the economic viability of their time-honored livelihoods.

Beyond food security, the discussion emphasized the critical need to safeguard the community’s rich cultural heritage. “Our traditional songs, dances, and stories are inextricably linked to the land and our way of life,” said one elder. “We must find ways to protect and celebrate these essential elements of our identity.”

With time running out, the Ratugala people are urgently calling for greater support and recognition from the Sri Lankan government. “We have lived on these lands for centuries, sustainably managing the resources,” Sudavannialatto stressed. “Our very survival depends on the ability to continue this tradition.”

As the community convenes again to develop an action plan, the people of Ratugala remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving their livelihoods and cultural heritage for generations to come.