Genetic Link between Vedda People of Sri Lanka and Indian Ethnic Populations

• 20 Apr 2024

A recent study from April 2024, uncovered a genetic connection between Sri Lanka's Vedda people and Indian ethnic groups.

Key points:

• Unique Vedda Population: Vedda, Sri Lanka's sole indigenous group, shares genetic ties with India, despite linguistic differences.
• Published Study Details: Ten researchers from five institutions publish findings in Mitochondrion journal, examining autosomal and mitochondrial genomes.
• Linguistic and Genetic Analysis: Despite linguistic uniqueness, Vedda's genetic affinity with Indian populations indicates a shared heritage predating linguistic diversification.
• Maternal DNA Evidence: Maternal DNA analysis supports an ancient link between Vedda and Indian populations, revealing a shared genetic legacy.
• Demographic History: Challenging conventional models, the study suggests Vedda's distinct demographic history and limited gene flow from neighboring populations.
• Implications for South Asian Diversity: Insights from the research reshape understanding of South Asian genetic diversity, highlighting Vedda's preservation of genetic identity over millennia.
• Cultural and Genetic Heritage:The study's findings contribute to a deeper understanding of South Asian genetic diversity and appreciation for Vedda's unique cultural and genetic heritage.