Supporters of Sri Lanka's aboriginal community, known as the Veddahs, have warned that they face extinction unless they are allowed to return to their homeland, which is now a national park.

The call comes two and a half months after a Veddah hunting in the park - which is located in the east - was shot and critically wounded by two wildlife guards.

The victim, who is now partially paralysed, is charged with trespass and illegal hunting and is chained to his hospital bed.

There are thought to be just 2,000 Veddahs remaining in Sri Lanka. They were forced out of the park 15 years ago, although they claim it is their ancestral right to be there.

Traditional lifestyle

The chief of the Veddah people appealed for urgent help to allow his community to return to the Maduruoyo National Park, which he called their homeland.

Chief Wanniya said they had to live in the jungle and carry out their traditional way of life.

The Veddahs, who are hunter-gatherers, were relocated when the national park was set up in 1983 and wildlife protection laws were brought in.

Community under threat

A spokesman for the Foundation for the Veddahs said about 1,000 of them wished to return to the jungle and that in the villages many were turning their backs on their language and culture due to tourism and alcohol.

He warned that if this continued the entire community would be wiped out in a couple of generations.

The government has issued permits for 20 Veddahs to live in the national park and President Chandrika Kumaratunga has promised to seek their active participation in protecting the flora and fauna there.