The Sinhalese constitute 74 percent of the total population and the Tamils, 18 percent. Seven percent are 'Moors', i.e. descendants of Arab traders. The remaining one percent includes descendants of Malays, Burghers (mixed Asians and Europeans), and the indigenous people., Hundred percent of Veddas in Dambana participated in the survey strongly reckon protection of Vedda cultural heritage as a reason for the Vedda language learning while 80% of the Pollebadda Vedda, However, recent studies estimate their population to be around 8,000. The social organization of the Vedda people differs from the Sinhalese caste system. They are organized into clans known as “Varuga,” which appear to be based on mythical origin stories. Some well-known clans include Morana, Unapana, Namadwa, Uru, and Ambala., Vedda populations of this kind are increasing in some districts. Today many Sinhalese people and some east coast Tamils claim that they have some trace of Veddah blood. Intermarriage between Veddas and Sinhalese is very frequent. They are not considered outcasts in Sri Lankan society, unlike the low caste Rodiyas (see Caste in Sri Lanka)., In a census taken in 1881, there was a Vedda population of 2200. According to Dayananda Binaragama’s book, in 2008 the chief Wanniya-laeto had said that there are no more than 1500 families in the entire island with a majority living in Dambana and Polebadde., Current Population: The Vedda population in Dambana is estimated to be around 350 families. This translates to approximately 1,000 individuals. Trend: Historically, the Vedda community was much larger. However, over the past few decades, the Vedda population has been on a decline..