Sri Lanka, Feb. 11 -- Vedda Chief Uruwarigelage Vannila Aththo has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the exploitation of his community and their age-old traditions for commercial gain, alleging that certain groups are misusing indigenous culture under the guise of promoting tourism.

He told the media yesterday in Dambana that organized groups of touts are misusing the culture of his clan as a showpiece.

Elaborating on this fraud and the dubious activities of the touts he said he had been watchful of the racket which has been going on unchecked.

"My clan has inherited a history spanning several centuries. It is with great difficulty that we have protected that long heritage in several villages. However, it is sad that ou...