The Children of Kuveni: A Critical Analysis of the Derogated Status of Vedda Community in Post-independent Sri Lanka

This chapter critically examines the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s indigenous community, Vedda’s in the post-colonial setting of the island nation and it further unfolds the long-term impacts created by neoliberal agendas on the well-being of the Vedda people. This chapter astutely looks into the land and socio-economic rights of Sri Lanka’s indigenous community as they have been challenged in the aftermath of the independence before the populist steps taken by the successive governments. The analysis emerging from this chapter unveils how Sri Lanka has failed in safeguarding the rights of the indigenous community: Veddas regardless of country’s pretext in complying with international law standards.