Abstract:
The studies on primitive societies are important in the study of the cultural identities of the people.
The way of life and culture of the primitive societies with a long cultural history is undergoing
various changes and destructions over time. In this context, studies of primitive societies have been
conducted worldwide by well-known anthropologists since the late 1800s. Although these kinds of
studies were used to learn about people in the early days, such studies were encouraged to rule
particular people during the colonial period. This study attempts to analyze the unique features of
studies on primitive societies in post-colonial context. The most basic concepts, theories and methods
that exist in anthropology today are based on the findings of a study of primitive societies conducted
by renowned anthropologists in various period. Studies of primitive societies can be seen to prioritize
the unique lifestyles, livelihood technologies, religious beliefs and practices of the people who
continue to live in a particular area. In this regard, this study is seen as a review of studies conducted
on primitive societies with special reference to Sri Lanka. Vaddas is one of the primitive societies of
Sri Lanka. Multifaceted studies on Veddas have been carried out since colonial times. This review is
designed to review published studies on Vaddas since the colonial period. This study is based on
qualitative research approach and data was collected from secondary data sources mainly focused on
research studies of Veddas in Sri Lanka. The method of content analysis was used to analyse the
significant features of studies of Veddas in the colonial and post-colonial context. Studies of the
Vaddas, one of the primitive societies of Sri Lanka, are generally seen as prioritizing the Vaddas'
habitats and their distinctive cultural features and presenting the problems they face today and the
solutions to it. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that certain studies have revealed issues related to their
cultural identity in the postcolonial context. There are some insufficiency in the micro level studies
on Veddas. This review study therefore suggested that ethnographical studies on Veddas should be
conducted at regional and village levels.
