Solve the Malaiyaha People's land issues - Athavan Tv interview. Anthony Jesudasa - ED, VOPP

Successful Free Medical Camp at Palindanuwara Vivekananda Tamil Vidyalaya.

 28th August 2024, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) and Palindanuwara Vivekananda Tamil Vidyalaya successfully conducted a free medical camp. This initiative brought together dedicated doctors from different areas across the country, making it a truly remarkable effort.

With the participation of around 200 people from 6 estates, the event was a resounding success. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Suji, District Coordinator of VOPP, who organized this program exceptionally well. We also want to express our deep appreciation to Mr. Nisham, the main organizer and teacher at Vivekananda School, the Principal of Vivekananda Tamil school, and all the teachers who contributed to this event. A special thank you goes to the prefects and students of Grades 8, 9, and 10 for their invaluable support.

We are especially grateful to all the doctors who provided their outstanding service today, ensuring the health and well-being of our community. Your dedication is truly inspiring.

Mr. Anthony Jesudasan, Executive Director of VOPP, and Mrs. Lavina Hasanthi, Program Director of VOPP, participated and gave good guidance.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. Together, we are making a difference!

Train teachers from the estate community

 28 Aug 2024 | BY Apsara Rodrigo - The Daily Morning news paper in Sri Lanka

 Unions dismiss English medium schools as only for a certain ‘socio-econ. class’s

Plantation sector trade unions suggested that teachers for estate sector schools should be recruited from among the estate community itself amidst promises from the Education Ministry to hire graduate teachers, and an India funded teacher training programme.

“People from the estate sector or Malayaga Tamils should be trained after their General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Exam and they should start teaching after they complete a teaching exam,” the Voice of the Plantation People organisation’s Executive Director Anthony Jesudasan told The Daily Morning yesterday (27). 

“Otherwise, if we give these positions to people from other parts of the country, they will only stay for a short period of time”. Jesudasan said that employing teachers from the North and the East or Tamil-speaking Muslim teachers have resulted in them staying only for the short term or seeking transfers to their hometowns.

“A lot of schools in the rural areas face a shortage of teachers. Aside from the big schools in the cities, a lot of schools in the hill country are in poor condition where there are no teachers for subjects like mathematics,” Jesudasan said.

Taking into account the poor conditions and the lack of teachers in estate schools, sectoral trade unions expressed their displeasure with certain initiatives such as commencing English medium schools in the estate regions. Jesudasan said that such an initiative would only benefit those coming from a higher socio-economic background while it will not be practical for students coming from lower economic backgrounds to study in English schools.

It was reported that in order to solve the lack of teachers in estate schools, the Ministry has started to recruit graduate teachers and teaching assistants. Teacher training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects has meanwhile been funded by a grant of Indian Rupees 750 million, in order to address the lack of teachers in the plantation sector.  

Efforts by The Daily Morning to reach the Minister of Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman proved futile.  

VOPP Hosts Groundbreaking Workshop with Dr. Ahilan and Young Researcher Network to Study Malaiyaha Community in Southern Province

On July 6th and 7th, 2024, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) conducted a pivotal workshop at Oruthota Chalet in Kandy, in collaboration with Dr. Ahilan from the University of Jaffna and researchers from the Young Researcher Network (YRN). The focus of this two-day event was to explore the social, cultural, economic, and political situation of the Malaiyaha community residing in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka—marking the beginning of the first-ever research on this community in history.

Sharing the Reality: Current Living Conditions and Key Issues

During the workshop, VOPP shared critical insights into the current living conditions of the Malaiyaha community in the Southern Province. The organization presented detailed information on various aspects of life within the community, including education, healthcare, and economic challenges faced by plantation workers and their families. The realities shared by VOPP painted a vivid picture of the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the Malaiyaha Tamil people, whose contributions to Sri Lanka’s plantation industry have long been overlooked.

The participants from YRN were introduced to the harsh conditions faced by the community, such as limited access to quality education, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and economic instability stemming from low wages and precarious employment conditions. This session offered a comprehensive overview of the challenges, providing young researchers with valuable insights into the lives of the Malaiyaha people.

A Historic Step: Launching the First Research on the Southern Malaiyaha Community

The workshop also served as a platform to discuss the first-ever research on the social, cultural, economic, and political situation of the Malaiyaha community in the Southern Province. Dr. Ahilan, an esteemed academic from the University of Jaffna, led discussions on the importance of this groundbreaking research, emphasizing that no prior studies had been conducted on the unique circumstances of the Southern Malaiyaha people.

The research aims to fill a significant gap in understanding the complexities of the Southern Malaiyaha community, which differs in many respects from their counterparts in the central plantation regions. The study will examine not only the socio-economic factors impacting the community but also delve into cultural and political aspects that shape their identity and opportunities. By capturing this nuanced data, the research seeks to contribute to more informed policy-making and advocacy efforts.

Empowering Young Researchers for Change

The involvement of the Young Researcher Network in this initiative is a crucial aspect of the workshop's success. By engaging young researchers in fieldwork and data collection, VOPP is fostering a new generation of academics and advocates who are dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. The workshop provided the young researchers with a solid understanding of the research framework, methodology, and the ethical considerations necessary when working with vulnerable populations.

This collaboration between VOPP, Dr. Ahilan, and YRN represents a strategic partnership that will bring fresh perspectives and academic rigor to the study of the Southern Malaiyaha community. The research findings are expected to shed light on long-standing issues, many of which have been neglected by policymakers, and drive meaningful changes for the community.

Looking Forward: A Path to Empowerment

This historic research initiative marks a significant milestone in the efforts to bring visibility to the Southern Malaiyaha Tamil people. VOPP’s commitment to ensuring that their voices are heard, combined with the expertise of academic researchers and the energy of young scholars, signals a new chapter in the struggle for social justice, economic equity, and political recognition.

As this research unfolds, it will provide invaluable insights that can inform both local and national strategies for improving the lives of the Malaiyaha community. VOPP is hopeful that this groundbreaking study will lead to tangible outcomes, such as more inclusive policies, enhanced access to services, and a greater appreciation for the cultural and social contributions of the Southern Malaiyaha people.

The workshop concluded with a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, as participants looked forward to the next steps in this important research journey. 

The Movement for Plantation People's Land Rights (MPPLR) Holds National Land Day in Badulla for the Third Time

On June 22, 2024, the Movement for Plantation People's Land Rights (MPPLR) celebrated National Land Day in Badulla, marking the third year of this significant event. Organized in collaboration with the Uva Shakthi Foundation, the occasion witnessed robust support from the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP), a dedicated member of MPPLR.

The event saw the participation of over 500 Malaiyaha people from across the country, coming together to advocate for their land rights through a vibrant public rally and march. This collective effort underscores the ongoing commitment to securing land rights and improving conditions for the plantation communities. 

Galle District Estate-Level Meetings Led by Mr. A. Jesman on Behalf of VOPP

On September 2-3, 2024, we are pleased to announce that Mr. A. Jesman, the District Coordinator for Galle District, organized successful estate-level group meetings at the Lawer and Bossej divisions of Thalangaha Estate. These meetings were conducted on behalf of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP), as part of our ongoing commitment to engaging directly with estate communities.

During the discussions, participants explored key issues

affecting their daily lives, including the basic facilities available in the

estate, the living conditions of residents, and the state of education for

children. The attendees actively voiced their concerns and thoughts, engaging

in thoughtful dialogue about the challenges they face and the opportunities for

positive change.

Mr. Jesman, through his leadership and deep understanding of

the community's needs, facilitated these conversations with remarkable skill.

He guided the group toward identifying practical, collaborative actions that

can be implemented in partnership with VOPP. His dedication to supporting the

Malaiyaha Tamil community in Galle District was evident, and we are grateful

for his efforts as well as the enthusiastic participation of all community

members.