Empowering Malaiyaham People: Voice of the Plantation People Organization Takes Action

Introduction: In a bid to address the pressing issues faced by the Malaiyaham people residing in the Galle and Matara districts of the Southern Province, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization convened a crucial discussion with district leaders on February 25th, 2025. This meeting aimed to shed light on the current living conditions, challenges, and ongoing initiatives while charting a course for future endeavors to uplift the Malaiyaham community.

Living Conditions and Challenges: The Malaiyaham people, predominantly residing in the plantation regions of Galle and Matara, confront a myriad of socio-economic challenges. Decades of marginalization have left them grappling with inadequate access to basic amenities, substandard housing conditions, limited educational opportunities, and precarious livelihoods. Moreover, the historical legacy of exploitation and discrimination continues to cast a shadow on their socio-political empowerment.

Ongoing Initiatives by Voice of the Plantation People Organization: Recognizing the plight of the Malaiyaham community, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization has been at the forefront of advocating for their rights and well-being. Through various grassroots initiatives, the organization has been instrumental in providing educational support, healthcare services, vocational training, and legal aid to empower the community. Additionally, efforts have been made to foster community cohesion and cultural preservation, ensuring the rich heritage of the Malaiyaham people endures.

Discussion Highlights and Future Plans: During the recent discussion held in Galle, stakeholders deliberated extensively on the progress made and the road ahead. The imperative of addressing housing inadequacies, enhancing access to quality education, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities emerged as focal points. In line with this, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization outlined a comprehensive strategy for future interventions, encompassing the following key areas:

1. Housing Upgrades: Collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to improve housing infrastructure, including the provision of clean water and sanitation facilities.
2. Education Enhancement: Expanding educational initiatives with a focus on bridging the literacy gap, promoting vocational training, and facilitating scholarships for higher education.
3. Livelihood Diversification: Facilitating skill development programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and establishing cooperatives to bolster economic resilience within the community.
4. Healthcare Access: Strengthening healthcare facilities and services, particularly in remote areas, to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Malaiyaham individuals.
5. Advocacy and Empowerment: Continuously advocating for the rights and inclusion of the Malaiyaham community in decision-making processes while fostering leadership development and civic engagement.                            

Conclusion

The dialogue between the Voice of the Plantation People Organization and district leaders marks a significant step towards addressing the entrenched challenges faced by the Malaiyaham people in the Galle and Matara districts. By prioritizing community-driven solutions and collective action, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to effecting positive change and empowering the Malaiyaham community to realize their full potential. As the journey towards socio-economic emancipation continues, collaboration and solidarity will be paramount in building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

We Don't Have Land Ownership...............#voppcommunitymeet #voiceplantation #denialjesudasan

 

Addressing Food Insecurity in Deniyaya:

Introduction: Deniyaya, a region nestled in the southern of Sri Lanka, is grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship. In a concerning trend, many residents, particularly in the Top Division, are forgoing their lunches due to economic constraints. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Colombo Urban Lab (CUL) joined hands with the Voice of Plantation People Organization (VOPP) to conduct a comprehensive research initiative aimed at understanding the dynamics of food safety, access, and the community's resilience amidst the ongoing economic crisis.

Research Initiative: On the 10th and 11th of February 2024, teams from CUL and VOPP embarked on a journey to delve into the heart of Deniyaya's food security challenges. Through focus group discussions held in Diyadawa and Deniyaya Top Division in the Matara District, participants shed light on the multifaceted issues they face on a daily basis.

Insights Unveiled: The discussions unearthed a multitude of pressing concerns and stark realities. Participants, comprising both VOPP and CUL staff members, along with community representatives, provided valuable insights into the intricate interplay of economic hardship and food insecurity.

 

Petition Garnering 35,000 Signatures Calls for the Inclusion of the Ethnic Group "Malaiyaga Tamils" in the Census

A significant movement has emerged, with 35,000 signatures endorsing the petition for the recognition of the ethnic group "Malaiyaga Tamils" in the national census. This collective effort, orchestrated by the Collective for Malaiyaga Tamil Identity under the Department of Census and Statistics, marks a pivotal moment in advocating for the acknowledgment and representation of this distinctive community.

Presented to CHANDINI BANDARA at Bhattaramulla, the petition underscores the resounding demand for the inclusion of "Malaiyaga Tamils" as a recognized ethnic entity in official documentation. This campaign is not merely about statistics; it's about affirming the historical, cultural, and societal contributions of the Malaiyaga Tamils, whose roots in Sri Lanka span over two centuries.

With a rich heritage deeply interwoven into the fabric of Sri Lanka, the Malaiyaga Tamils have played an integral role in shaping the nation's economy, society, and artistic landscape for generations. Their enduring presence and dedication to sectors such as horticulture underscore their profound connection to the country they call home.

Identifying themselves as "Malaiyaga Tamils" for decades, this community boasts a distinct literary tradition and cultural identity that is integral to their sense of self. The petition, therefore, seeks not only to secure their rightful place as full-fledged citizens of Sri Lanka but also to affirm the intrinsic bond between the Malaiyaga Tamils and the nation. By recognizing their unique ethnic identity, the petition aims to foster national harmony and facilitate inclusive nation-building efforts.

In essence, the petition for the inclusion of "Malaiyaga Tamils" in the population census is a testament to the resilience and unity of this community. It is a call for recognition, respect, and representation—a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society where every ethnic group is acknowledged and celebrated for its contributions to the tapestry of Sri Lankan identity.

Demand for the Recognition of "Malaiyaha Tamils" Ethnic Group in Sri Lanka's Population Census

The Voice of the Plantation People Organization has launched a signature campaign in the Gampaha, Galle and Matara Districts, advocating for the inclusion of Malaiyaga Tamils in the national census. With a rich legacy spanning over two centuries in Sri Lanka's history, Malaiyaga Tamils have played a pivotal role in shaping the country's social, economic, and artistic landscape. Their enduring contributions, particularly in industries such as horticulture, as well as various sectors of society, underscore their unwavering commitment to the nation's progress and prosperity.

Embracing a distinct literary tradition and cultural heritage, Malaiyaga Tamils have proudly upheld their unique ethnic identity for generations. Their significant presence and contributions to Sri Lankan society highlight the imperative for their complete and equitable representation in official census data.

Recognizing the ethnic identity of Malaiyaga Tamils goes beyond statistical accuracy; it's a fundamental acknowledgement of their deep historical connection with Sri Lanka. Inclusion in the census is crucial for nurturing national harmony, advancing inclusive nation-building efforts, and safeguarding the rights and interests of all communities within the country. It signifies a commitment to honoring the diversity that enriches Sri Lanka's social fabric and strengthens its collective identity.

"Empowering Migrated Plantation Communities: A Confluence of Voices at VOPP Secretariat"

In a pivotal gathering at the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) secretariat in Negombo on January 4, 2024, members of migrated plantation communities in the Western Province engaged in a transformative discussion. Chaired by Anthony Jesudasan and Lavina Hashanthi, with the guidance of Anton Wanaththaiya, the meeting saw the active participation of 24 individuals who shared their grievances and aspirations.

The primary objective of the discussion was to organize and empower the migrated plantation people residing in the Western Province. During the session, participants shed light on a multitude of challenges they face, ranging from acquiring essential documents such as birth certificates and National Identification Cards to addressing employment-related concerns such as Employee Trust Fund (ETF) and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) issues. Housing and rental challenges were also prevalent among the highlighted issues.

Noteworthy was the presence of members and representatives from Dabindu Collectives and Revolutionary Existence for Human Development (RED), organizations committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized communities. Their involvement underscored the collaborative effort to address the concerns of migrated plantation communities.

The discussion served as a platform for these voices to be heard, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the participants. As the meeting unfolded, potential solutions and strategies for overcoming the identified challenges were explored, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and collective action.

This gathering exemplified the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing the unique needs of migrated plantation communities. By bringing together various stakeholders, including grassroots organizations and representatives, the event marked a significant step towards creating a more supportive and empowered environment for those facing challenges in the Western Province.

As the Voice of the Plantation People Organization continues its mission to amplify the concerns of marginalized communities, this discussion stands as a testament to the power of collective dialogue and the potential for positive change in the lives of the migrated plantation people in the Western Province.