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.