Vetal
Vetal is the Sri Lankan form of the vetala, a corpse-inhabiting spirit from Indian tradition that spread with Buddhism. It dwells in cremation grounds and ancient trees (tamarind, baobab), animating corpses to move. Known for posing riddles and knowing past, present, and future. Can be helpful or dangerous. The Vetala Panchavimshati (25 tales) is known in Sri Lanka as folk tradition.