Finding the roots of a country, understanding their traditional knowledge, becoming familiar with the indigenous people, are all components of appreciating a nation, their traditions, customs and development. Sri Lanka has a rich history and local communities who carry a world of knowledge that we just can’t learn from books. It is important that you visit this beautiful island, and pay homage to the invaluable knowledge that indigenous people have to offer. While we couldn’t dare to put all of the treasures they hold into one article, we hope this helps you recognize the true value of it and admire it all the more.
What is Traditional Knowledge?
Indigenous knowledge’ is embedded in culture and is unique to a given location or society and belongs to a specific ethnic group. It affects the wellbeing of the majority of people in culturally rich and historical countries, as society is largely constructed on this foundation. Certain beliefs related to spirituality, family, land and social justice, as well as potentially patentable knowledge about traditional medicines, food, farm practices, architecture, handicrafts, artwork and folk music are based on traditional or indigenous knowledge.
Veddah Community:
The Veddas are Sri Lanka’s indigenous people, and are also known as Wanniya-laeto, which translates to Forest Dwellers. They are an independent community and are proud of their ancestral background, vibrant culture and unique traditions. However, over time, they have been reduced to a tourist attraction, and often struggle with preserving their identity, in an ever-changing world.
Traditional Knowledge in Sri Lanka depends on the management of the Veddah community. They are the country’s most predominant primitive and medieval society. They have ties to the very backbone of the Sri Lankan society: they could be Indo-Aryan descendants, with multi-ethnic backgrounds, multi-religious philosophies, esoteric expertise of skills and livelihoods and a plethora of knowledge.
The Importance:
Traditional Knowledge is Eco-Friendly. It teaches people to practice more sustainable ways, and to be mindful about the environment. They coexist with animals, and nature in ways that we simply have not mastered. Their solutions to problems are simple, but long lasting and eco-friendly. They practice sustainable agriculture, waste-conscious consumption, and gratitude towards Mother Nature.
The methods that the Veddahs and other primitive societies used for food
preservations and food preparation are highly recognized as being hygienic. These techniques are employed in the modern kitchen too, and they make food safer and more delicious to consume.
Traditional Knowledge is also a powerful resource for rural communities, as it acts as a key element in the fight against poverty and social exclusion since it promotes active participation.
Preservation of Traditional Knowledge:
Due to colonization, and globalization, the preservation of Traditional Knowledge in Sri Lanka (as well as the rest of the world) is under a lot of pressure. This is also affected by the fact that the gradual changes in education does not cover this area. Moreover, the everyday lifestyle changes have also threatened the existence of Traditional Knowledge as it isn’t as integrated into daily lives as it once was.
To preserve Traditional Knowledge, ideally, it would have to be documented, which isn’t entirely possible as it passed down word-to-mouth, over the generations. However, integrating their ways into the education system, practicing their traditions, paying homage and giving credit where it’s due are simple yet efficient ways that could be implemented to secure the knowledge.
There is so much to learn from Veddahs, and we hope you pay a visit to a Veddah village in Mahinyangaya to see their ways, from your own eyes. Take notes since this is an insurmountable amount of knowledge that could help make your personal lives better, easier and simpler as well, all the while preserving Traditional or Indigenous Knowledge.
Photos sourced from Dan Lunderberg
