VOPP Empowers Southern Province Plantation Leaders through Advocacy and Lobbying Workshop

Digana, April 28, 2024 — The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) achieved a significant milestone by successfully hosting a two-day workshop on Advocacy and Lobbying for leaders from the Southern province plantations. Held against the picturesque backdrop of the Oruthota Chalet in Digana, this transformative event brought together a diverse group of 25 leaders, including youth and women, to engage in meaningful discussions and activities.

A Platform for Empowerment and Unity

The workshop, meticulously curated by the seasoned facilitator Mr. Lalith Abeysinghe, provided a platform for leaders to delve into critical topics related to advocacy, lobbying, and community empowerment. Participants actively explored strategies to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights within the plantation community.

 Unifying Voices: “It Is Time to Claim Our Land and Other Rights”

The resounding sentiment among the participants was one of unity and determination. As the workshop progressed, leaders emerged with a unified voice, echoing the powerful declaration: “It is time to claim our land and other rights.” This collective resolve signifies a pivotal moment in the fight for justice and equality within the Malaiyaga community.

Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Progress

The knowledge and strategies gained during the workshop will serve as a catalyst for positive change. Participants discussed ways to break through the barriers of ethnic identity, ensuring that every member of the plantation community has equal access to opportunities. Key areas of focus included:

Education: Leaders committed to advocating for improved educational facilities and opportunities for children within the community.

Fair Wages: The workshop emphasized the importance of fair wages for plantation workers, aiming to uplift their economic well-being.

Sanitation and Health Care: Participants explored ways to enhance sanitation facilities and promote better health care access for all.

A Collective Commitment

As the sun set over the serene Oruthota Chalet, the leaders stood united, armed with newfound knowledge and a shared commitment. Together, they pledged to use their collective learning to uplift the plantation community. Their voices, once fragmented, now resonate as a harmonious chorus, ensuring that the rights and aspirations of the plantation people are heard loud and clear.

 The VOPP remains steadfast in its mission to promote reconciliation, understanding, and progress among diverse social groups. Through workshops like these, they continue to sow the seeds of change, nurturing a future where unity prevails and justice thrives.