In the Polonnaruwa district lies Dalukaana, a rural village where an indigenous community resides amidst changing traditions and challenges. This community, though marginalized from other mainstream ethnic groups, struggles with evolving livelihood needs, legal constraints, and socio-economic hardships that shape their daily lives.
Preserving Traditions in a Changing Landscape

Historically, the indigenous people of Dalukaana sustained themselves through practices like hunting and wearing traditional garments woven from local resources. However, over time, environmental conservation laws have restricted their ability to continue these practices, pushing them towards alternative livelihoods such as fishing, gathering fruits, and harvesting honey from nearby forests. Yet, even these pursuits are not without challenges, as many lack access to land for cultivation, leaving them with uncertain income opportunities and a never-ending cycle of poverty.

Challenges Faced by the Community
Adding to these difficulties, gender disparities worsen their plight. Economic instability forces women to seek work in nearby spas, where they face exploitative conditions and sexual harassment. This vulnerability extends into their homes, where male family members, often struggling with unemployment and alcohol addiction, commit further harassment and intimate partner violence.

Moreover, educational opportunities have been limited for the children of Dalukaana, although efforts are underway to integrate them into the broader educational system. To overcome poverty, some parents resort to selling essential school provisions to make ends meet. This reality highlights the pressing need for community support and legal awareness to help the Indigenous community overcome various hardships, such as sexual harassment, family law issues, land disputes, and child abuse.