Marginalization of Indigenous Communities: Evidence from Vedda Indigenous Minority in Sri Lanka Ruwan Ranasinghe, Amilatissa. M.D.T. Department of Tourism Studies Faculty of Management Uva Wellassa University ruwan@uwu.ac.lk, ruwan.fm@gmail.com Abstract Indigenous tourism is one of the significant sectors around the globe and it is continue to grow as a segment. It can be defined as a tourism activity in which indigenous people are specifically included either through control or additionally by having their way of life fill in as the attraction. Marginalization of indigenous communities is an attractive research thesis where indigenous communities are concerned. Marginalization is the position of individuals, groups or populations outside of „mainstream society‟, living at the margins of those in the center of power, of cultural dominance and economics and social welfare. This research study is examining the marginalization and its associations with tourism in the context of Vedda community. Specifically, the study focuses to uncover whether the marginalization is voluntary or enforced. A qualitative research approach was entrusted since complex socio-cultural affairs can be probed through in-depth interviews. Thus, the study consists of 18 in-depth interviews to answer the formulated research questions. The study assesses the determinants of Marginalizing areas in public life, is the Vedda Marginalized or not and the role of tourism in the Vedda life in the above context. The Researcher used thematic analysis method to analyze qualitative data using Microsoft Excel 2010. The finding of this study shows that the Vedda community is marginalized and significantly it is voluntary. Further, study elucidated that economic benefits from tourism and related activities has strong links for such voluntary marginalization. Keywords: Marginalization, Voluntarily, Enforced, Vedda Community, Stakeholders, Tourism activities, Economic benefits INTRODUCTION Tourism is one of the largest and fastest blooming industries in the global scenario. According to the World Tourism Organization, over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification to become one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors in the world. Through that indigenous tourism became part of the tourism industry. Through both direct and indirect processes, marginalized groups may be relegated to a secondary position or made to feel as if they are less important than those who hold more power or privilege in society. Marginalized groups can be the target of negative beliefs, behaviors, or judgments from others. Individuals and groups can be marginalized on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including but not limited to: race, gender or gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, sexuality, age, and/or religion (Counseling Center, Syracuse University).