Advocating for Malaiyagam People's Concerns: Collaborative Meeting with British High Commission

On the 14th of December 2023, representatives from the Voice of the Plantation People Organization and the Manbumigu Malaiyagam Civil Society Collective convened a crucial meeting with officials from the British High Commission office in Sri Lanka. The focus of the discussion centered on addressing the pertinent issues faced by the Malaiyagam people, with a special emphasis on the challenges encountered by the Southern Malaiyagam community. Additionally, the representatives delved into the 11 damans outlined in the Matale Declaration.

 The meeting served as a platform for a comprehensive dialogue, fostering an exchange of insights and information between the organizations and the British High Commission. The goal was to shed light on the unique struggles and concerns faced by the Malaiyagam people, particularly those residing in the Southern Malaiyagam region.

The representatives presented a thorough overview of the 11 damans encapsulated in the Matale Declaration, underscoring the significance of these points in addressing the socio-economic and cultural needs of the Malaiyagam community. Each daman was discussed in detail, providing context and implications for the well-being and empowerment of the community.

The British High Commission officials actively engaged in the dialogue, expressing a keen interest in understanding the challenges faced by the Malaiyagam people and the specific circumstances of the Southern Malaiyagam community. The meeting aimed to establish a collaborative approach towards finding sustainable solutions and advocating for the rights and development of the Malaiyagam people.

 In addition to discussing challenges, the representatives also highlighted the resilience and contributions of the Malaiyagam community, showcasing their potential for positive growth and development with the right support and attention.

The collaboration between the Voice of the Plantation People Organization, the Manbumigu Malaiyagam Civil Society Collective, and the British High Commission signifies a commitment to addressing the complexities of the Malaiyagam people's issues. The meeting laid the foundation for ongoing cooperation and dialogue, with the shared objective of fostering positive change and amplifying the voices of the Malaiyagam community.

As a result of this collaborative effort, it is anticipated that the British High Commission will play a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and well-being of the Malaiyagam people, contributing to the realization of the goals outlined in the Matale Declaration. The organizations look forward to continued engagement and partnerships to bring about positive transformation for the Southern Malaiyagam community and the broader Malaiyagam population.