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.