Colombo, Sri Lanka - May 21, 2024 – The Centre for Child
Rights and Business successfully organized a pivotal dialogue aimed at
fostering a family-friendly tea industry. This event brought together
representatives from small tea holders, private tea estate owners, government
officials, civil society organizations, and moderated by Mr. Gawthaman, an
activist, and lawyer. The gathering took place at the Sri Lanka Foundation
Institute (SLFI) and focused on collaborative efforts to improve the working
and living conditions within the tea industry.
Key participants in this important dialogue included
selected members working at private tea estates and staff from the Voice of the
Plantation People (VOPP) organization. Anthony
Jesudasan, Executive Director of VOPP, and Lavina Hasanthi, Program Director of
VOPP, were part of the panel discussion. They shared valuable insights and
experiences regarding the conditions of people residing in private and small
tea holding estates in the Southern Province.
The discussions, moderated by Mr. Gawthaman, highlighted
the challenges faced by tea plantation workers, particularly in ensuring a
family-friendly environment that supports both the workers and their families.
The dialogue served as a platform for diverse stakeholders to share their
perspectives and collaboratively identify strategies to create a more
supportive and sustainable tea industry.
Anthony Jesudasan emphasized the need for comprehensive
policies that address the welfare of plantation workers, noting that
"Improving the conditions for workers in both private and small tea
holdings is not just a moral imperative but also essential for the
sustainability of the industry."
Lavina Hasanthi added, "Our goal is to create a
blueprint for a family-friendly tea industry where the rights and well-being of
workers are prioritized. This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving
that goal."
Government officials present at the event reiterated
their commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the welfare of tea
plantation workers. The collaboration between the government, private sector,
civil society, and moderated discussions by Mr. Gawthaman were recognized as
vital for driving meaningful change.
The Centre for Child Rights and Business expressed
optimism that the outcomes of this dialogue would lead to actionable steps and
policies that significantly improve the living and working conditions in the
tea industry. The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to
continue working together towards a more equitable and family-friendly tea
industry in Sri Lanka.
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