Land Rights of Southern Plantation People

The plight of the plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka

The plantation Tamils, also known as Malaiyagam or hill country Tamils, are a distinct ethnic group in Sri Lanka who trace their origins to the migrant workers brought by the British colonial rulers from South India in the 19th and 20th centuries to work in the tea, rubber and coffee estates. They constitute about 5% of the country's population and are mainly concentrated in the central  and southern highlands of Nuwara-Eliya, Badulla, Kandy , Ratnapura, Galle, Matara and Kalutara districts. 

Despite their long history and significant contribution to the economy of Sri Lanka, the plantation Tamils have been subjected to various forms of discrimination, oppression and marginalization by successive governments and dominant communities. They have been denied basic rights such as citizenship, education, health, land, housing, social security and political representation. They have also faced violence, displacement and exploitation at the hands of state actors and non-state actors.

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already precarious situation of the plantation Tamils, who have been disproportionately affected by the health crisis and its economic and social impacts. The lockdowns and curfews imposed by the government have disrupted their livelihoods and income sources, as many tea factories have shut down or reduced their operations, leaving thousands of workers without wages or social protection. The informal sector, which provides supplementary income for many plantation families, has also collapsed due to the restrictions on mobility and trade.

The plantation Tamils have also suffered from the lack of adequate health facilities and services in their areas, as well as the poor living conditions and sanitation standards in their line rooms, which make them more vulnerable to infections and diseases. The plantation communities have also faced stigma and discrimination from the surrounding Sinhala communities, who have blamed them for spreading the virus or accused them of violating the quarantine rules.

The plantation Tamils have been largely neglected and ignored by the government and the mainstream media in their response to the pandemic. They have received little or no assistance or relief from the state authorities or the estate management. They have also been excluded from the decision-making processes and policy interventions that affect their lives and livelihoods. The plantation Tamils have been left to fend for themselves, relying on their own resilience and solidarity, as well as the support of some civil society organizations and activists.

The year 2023 marks 200 years since the arrival of the first batch of plantation workers from South India to Sri Lanka. This is an occasion to reflect on the historical injustices and contemporary challenges faced by the plantation Tamils, as well as to demand their recognition and respect as equal citizens and stakeholders in the country. The plantation Tamils deserve to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as to participate in the social, economic, cultural and political development of Sri Lanka. The plantation Tamils are not a burden or a problem, but an asset and a solution for Sri Lanka.

References:

- What Is At Stake For Oppressed Plantation Communities In Sri Lanka Beyond The Pandemic? - Colombo Telegraph https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/what-is-at-stake-for-oppressed-plantation-communities-in-sri-lanka-beyond-the-pandemic/

- Malayagam, 200 years of denied rights for the plantation people - AsiaNews https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Malayagam%2C-200-years-of-denied-rights-for-the-plantation-people-57618.html

- Plantation Tamils of Sri Lanka face a mountain of troubles https://inmathi.com/2022/08/10/plantation-tamils-of-sri-lanka-face-a-mountain-of-troubles/60428/

- ‘Lighting the lives of the Plantation People ... - Caritas Sri Lanka https://www.caritaslk.org/ecological-conservation-plantation-people/lighting-the-lives-of-the-plantation-people-llpp-an-empowerment-program-to-better-the-lives-of-the-people-of-the-plantation-community-in-sri-lanka/

Stop the Brutal war !

 #STOPtheWARagainstCHILDREN2023

What will happen to the plantation people's land rights?

Calls for Fair Land Ownership and Urgent Government Intervention for Southern Malaiyaga People

A media briefing was organized at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute [SLFI] on the 2nd of November 2023, following a significant dialogue concerning the land ownership predicament faced by the Southern Malaiyaga People. Mr. Anthony Jesudasan, the Executive Director of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization [VOPP], underscored the criticality of equitable land ownership for the Southern Malaiyaga People and the wider Malaiyaga communities across Sri Lanka. He emphasized that the current situation not only strips them of their land but also erodes their dignity and identity.

 Mr. Jesudasan further emphasized that the proposed allocation of 10 perches of land for the Malaiyaga community is insufficient. He asserted that each family should be allotted at least 20 perches of housing land and half an acre of cultivation land to enable them to lead a better life.

The briefing also saw Mr. Jesudasan condemning the relentless and brutal attacks in the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged both parties to agree on a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and destruction.

Several speakers from the affected communities shared harrowing tales, highlighting the dire living conditions they endure. Many recounted how they are forced to endure leaky roofs during rainy weather, as they lack proper housing and land titles. The state of the roads was also a point of concern, with many roads in severe disrepair, rendering them almost impassable.

There was widespread disagreement among the people regarding the Land Katchery process, with numerous instances of the plantation people being excluded from the proceedings. As a solution, the speakers proposed the immediate appointment of a special task force to address the land ownership issues faced by the plantation and Malaiyaga people.

 The call for urgent government intervention to address the housing, land, and infrastructure challenges faced by the Southern Malaiyaga People resonated throughout the briefing, underscoring the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate their plight and restore their dignity and basic human rights.

Striving for Equitable Land Ownership: A Step towards Empowering Plantation Communities in Sri Lanka

In a significant stride towards resolving long-standing land ownership disputes and advocating for the rights of plantation communities, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) recently orchestrated a pivotal dialogue at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo. The event, attended by key government officials, civil society organizations, and members of the affected plantation community from Matara and Galle Districts, delved into the critical issue of land ownership and its repercussions on the livelihoods of numerous families.

The backdrop of the dialogue was set by the compelling research findings presented by the VOPP, shedding light on the stark reality faced by the inhabitants of eight tea estates in the aforementioned districts. The survey, spanning from 1993 to 2018, unearthed a concerning trend - out of 417 surveyed families, a mere 25 families possessed legitimate land titles, leaving the vast majority vulnerable to various threats stemming from the absence of proper documentation to substantiate their land ownership claims.

Among the notable participants were Mr. D.D.K. Wickramarachhchi, the Additional Secretary of the Land and Tourism Ministry, Mr. K.D. Bandula Jayasinge, the Land Commissioner General, and Mr. U.H. Saman Kumara, the Deputy Director of the Public Relations Officer of the Presidential Secretariat, alongside representatives from the Land Reform Commission. The overarching sentiment that permeated the dialogue was a recognition of the critical gaps that existed in the process of land distribution and title registration, ultimately leading to the disempowerment of the plantation communities.

 However, the dialogue didn't merely serve as a platform to highlight the challenges; it also laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts between the government officials, the VOPP, and the affected community members. A consensus emerged that a systematic, estate-specific approach was necessary to address the multifaceted issues plaguing the community. The officials underscored the importance of delinking housing lands from the plantation cultivation areas, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that prioritizes the welfare and rights of the inhabitants.

 Moreover, the officials pledged their support for future dialogues to expedite the resolution process, reiterating the feasibility of finding viable solutions to these complex challenges. The emphasis on collaboration and dialogue serves as a beacon of hope for the affected communities, promising a collective effort to safeguard their rights and create a more equitable landscape for land ownership in the region.

As the dialogue came to a close, there was a palpable sense of optimism among the attendees, reflective of the commitment to fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and inclusive growth. The path ahead is laden with challenges, but the collective determination exhibited at the event is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of the plantation communities, as well as the unwavering dedication of organizations like VOPP and government officials to champion the cause of equitable land ownership. This dialogue serves as a crucial milestone in the journey towards a more just and inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of every individual are respected and upheld.