The historically recognised forest-dwelling Vyadhas are self-designated Vadda people who are commonly referred to as Vanniyelatto or Advises in the present-day. Their non-sedentary agricultural practices are attributed to a forest dependent livelihood. A respect for, and ability to co-exist in harmony with the complex natural environment that has provided them with essential life-giving resources is exemplified in the life ways of these and comparable forest-dwelling people the world over.

Vadda communities as forest-dwellers were recognised among other diverse occupational social or caste groups including drummers, potters, farmers (fishers), cattle herders and members of the royal court, among others.  These diverse groups combined to influence the social makeup of the islands recorded history for over 2300 years under the Sinhalese kingdoms of the Dry Zone. Each of these occupational (caste) groupings was assigned a specific role in society that blended for mutual dependence to create an effectively functional and resourceful society. Similarly, the Vadda people served a defined role whether in the capacity of huntsmen, trustworthy guardsmen or tradesmen, recognised by royal decree throughout the lengthy Sinhalese kingdoms and owed allegiance to the King.

External cultural influences have, since European colonization and the post-independent period, led to varying degrees of change. Some occupational groups have lost their functional characteristics in the present-day and some exist in name only, while others are sustained through tradition and continue to serve a meaningful role within the recognised local social and cultural setting.