This is an acknowledgement provided by Rotary e-Club of Change Makers member, Pieter Siebel to all those that provided help, assistance and funding for the Adivasi Language Dictionary project. Its goal was to record this indigenous Sri Lankan language of the Vedda people for posterity and today that goal has been achieved.
Front row: Dambana School students
There is a back story to this amazing achievement that needs to be told. Pieter is a Sri Lankan national who now proudly calls Heathcote Junction in Victoria his home, along with his wife and children. Around 2019 Pieter, who is an accomplished chef (www.petestravellingpans.com) and conducts culinary tours of his homeland, was concerned about the plight of the Vedda people and their Dambana village. In particular, the Dambana school was in a deplorable condition and required renovation and renewal of their toilets and class rooms.
Pieter was encouraged to join the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers so that his dream of providing the help for the Vedda people and their school would be more achievable if it was backed by our Rotary e-Club. In 2019 Pieter joined the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers.
Subsequently, after many trips by Pieter, and along with many Rotary e-Club of Change Makers members who enjoyed his wonderful culinary tours, they also spent time at the Dambana school overseeing the construction and modernisation of their toilet blocks and providing fresh water on tap. Educational material and teaching assistance was also forthcoming. Much of the funding was provided through the Rotary e-Club of Change Makers by utilising Rotary grants and topped up with fund raising.
Front row: Dambana School students
All of this work was done in partnership with the Rotary Club of Badulla, and in particular our club Associate Krishantha Pussegoda, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Badulla
A couple of years ago and Pieter was made aware of the plight of the Vedda people and their fast-disappearing Adivasi language. To record this language for future generations was a huge task. With help from many quarters, today it has finally been achieved. Below is a statement provided by Pieter who has proudly announced the completion of this mammoth project and has acknowledged all of the help and assistance provided by many people.
Makes you proud to be a Change Maker
'Acknowledgements
The compilation of this dictionary of the Adivasi language marks a significant step in preserving an ancient and endangered linguistic heritage. This endeavour would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations who share a deep respect for the cultural and linguistic identity of the Vedda community.
The Rotary E-Club of Changemakers, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Badulla and the Rotaract Club of Uva Wellassa University, came together with a shared vision, to document and safeguard the words and phrases of the Vedda people of Dambana, Sri Lanka. This dictionary is the culmination of our collective efforts.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Michael Sansoni, a true friend of the Vedda people, whose introduction to Chief Uruwarige Wannialettho and his community was invaluable. Michael, your unwavering support and friendship have been instrumental in the success of this project—thank you, old friend.
Special thanks to the ever-reliable Philip Clancy, who first suggested the idea of this dictionary in his inimitable style. Phil, your passion for knowledge and your ability to inspire new perspectives have left a lasting impact. Every conversation with you is a lesson in itself.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rasheed Mohamed Nazeem, a cherished friend from my youth, who was present at the inception of this initiative. Your encouragement and steadfast belief in this project gave us the confidence to see it through. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Our sincere appreciation goes to Chief Uruwarige Wannialettho and the Vedda community for their generosity in sharing knowledge and heritage with us. It is our hope that this dictionary serves as a meaningful contribution to the preservation of their linguistic and cultural identity.
Beyond its role in preservation, this dictionary serves as a valuable learning tool for students and teachers alike. By offering insight into the language and traditions of the Vedda people, it provides an opportunity for educational engagement and cultural appreciation. Scholars and researchers will also find this dictionary to be an essential resource for further linguistic and anthropological studies, enabling a deeper understanding of this unique language and its historical significance.
The Vedda people, the indigenous inhabitants of Sri Lanka, have a history that stretches back thousands of years, making them one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Once a proud community of hunter-gatherers, the Vedda have traditionally lived in harmony with the island’s forests, following a way of life deeply connected to nature. Their language, a unique and largely oral tradition, is a vital part of their heritage, reflecting the wisdom, customs, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Over the years, the Vedda people have faced immense challenges, including land encroachment, modernization, and cultural assimilation. Despite these pressures, they have steadfastly preserved their identity, with leaders like Chief Uruwarige Wannialettho advocating for their rights and traditions. This dictionary is a humble effort to support the Vedda in their fight to safeguard their language and ensure that future generations continue to speak the words of their ancestors.
It is our sincere hope that this work serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the Vedda people and their invaluable contributions to Sri Lanka’s heritage.
This project would not be possible without the tireless work of the following members of the Uva Wellassa Rotaract Club:
Naween Sandeep, Ninadi Heshara, Samoda Pinsara, Sathsara Senarathna, Dehemi Samarasinghe, Nimesh Madapatha, Sachini Madushka, Gayathma Weerawanni, Thisal Walgampaya, Nimesha Bandara, Pasindu Sirimanna, Nipuni Rubasinghe, Ashen Vimukthi, Piyumi Madhushani, Lowamini Prabhashika, Raees Ahmedh, Sathmini Sooriyawansha, Sasini Savindi, Avishka Thamali, Rageesha Priyadarshani, Nethmini Karunarathne, Bashitha Vishalka, Praveen Kavishanka, Pavithre Wickramarathna.
The Rotary Club of Badulla 3220:
Channdima Karunnasena, Jayasooriya de Silva, Depal Jayasekara, Wishwa Weerathunga, Samith Kumara.
And finally, to Rotarian Krishantha Roshan Pussegoda, thank you. Without your commitment and dedication this project would have struggled to get off the ground.
This project would not have been possible without the generous financial contributions from Philip and Helen Clancy and Peter and Fay Murphy.
For the Rotary E-Club of Changemakers,
Pieter Siebel.
September 2022 – August 2025'