This decision follows a meeting that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had with a group of Veddah leaders from Dambana, Rathugala, Henanigala and Pollebedda.

According to the Presidential Secretariat, the meeting was arranged after the President met Uruvarige Vannilaeaththo at the President's House Kandy recently according to ancient customs where the Veddahs met with the rulers of the country during the Sinhala New Year season.

The Veddah leader, on that occasion, explained to the President the problems the community faced and the difficulties they experienced in carrying on their traditional way of life in the jungle areas due to certain laws and restrictions.

The President had assured the Veddah leader that all such restrictions would be removed and instructed the relevant officials to provide all the facilities needed by the Veddah communities.