On April 21, 2024, the serene town of Deniyaya in Matara District became a hub of transformative discussions as the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) orchestrated the sixth Community Peace Dialogue. Funded by the US Embassy, this event was held at the Chilled Reception Hall from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM and brought together 44 women and 5 male youths from various social groups to engage in meaningful conversations, explore their rights, and strategize for positive change.
The primary objective of the dialogue was to foster peaceful
coexistence among diverse communities through constructive dialogue and
conflict resolution. The event commenced with Anton Wanaththaiya emphasizing
the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence and understanding among youth
and women from diverse backgrounds.
Mr. Anthony Jesudasan, Executive Director of VOPP, led the facilitator's session. He educated participants on Sri Lanka’s constitution and their rights as citizens, underscoring the significance of democratic processes. Insights from previous workshops were shared, fostering mutual understanding and facilitating group discussions that allowed for an exchange of issues and perspectives between women and youth.
A significant portion of the dialogue focused on the
Malaiyaga ethnicity, highlighting its importance within Sri Lanka and the need
to rectify the historical miscategorization of Malaiyaga Tamils as Indian migrant
workers. Women participants raised concerns regarding access to education and
employment opportunities, advocating for gender equality and empowerment
initiatives. They also discussed healthcare access, emphasizing the importance
of affordable reproductive health services and maternal care, and highlighted
challenges related to gender-based violence and discrimination, calling for
stronger legal protections and support systems.
Male youth participants voiced concerns about limited job prospects and economic opportunities, particularly within the plantation sector, and stressed the need for skills training programs and vocational initiatives. They also discussed the challenges of youth engagement in community decision-making processes and expressed a desire for greater representation in local governance structures. Social issues such as substance abuse, harmful drug usage, and youth delinquency were addressed, prompting discussions on preventative measures and community-based interventions.
The Youth Action Plan saw the drafting of a declaration for
a public rally, to be incorporated into the Matara district Declaration.
However, the difficulty in engaging male youth participation was acknowledged,
indicating a need for more effective strategies in future events.
Participant feedback was gathered to evaluate the
effectiveness of the dialogue and identify areas for improvement. The session
concluded with a distribution of sanitary pads, addressing concerns raised by
women participants about access to affordable and available menstrual hygiene
products. This initiative aimed to alleviate the burden on women and ensure
access to essential hygiene products for menstrual health management.
The Community Peace Dialogue in Deniyaya, funded by the US Embassy, provided a platform for youth and women to engage in constructive dialogue, address pertinent issues, and strategize for positive change. VOPP remains committed to supporting these initiatives, fostering understanding, and promoting peace and harmony within the community.
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