Comedy duo Blok & Dino have responded to accusations that their recent video mocked Sri Lanka’s Indigenous Veddah community, stating that their content was misinterpreted and never intended to misrepresent or insult the community.
Their statement follows an announcement by Vedda Chief Uruwarige Vannila Aththo, who expressed plans to take legal action against the creators for allegedly distorting indigenous culture for commercial gain. The Chief also stated that attempts to contact the creators had gone unanswered, further harming the community’s reputation.
In their response, Blok & Dino clarified that the video features an impersonator—a man who abandons city life to adopt what he believes is a Veddah-inspired lifestyle—but at no point is he referred to or portrayed as an actual Veddah. They emphasised that the character’s exaggerated mannerisms, language, and tools were meant to highlight that he is not a Veddah, which is the central premise of the satire.
The duo also noted that the video was filmed in Dambulla, an area with no Veddah settlements, and that they took care to ensure no misrepresentation occurred. They expressed disappointment that criticism came primarily through media reports rather than direct discussions.
Blok & Dino defended their work by stating that comedy—like all art—is subjective and questioned why imitation is automatically seen as mockery. They thanked their supporters and reaffirmed their commitment to satire and self-reflective humour.
