Five Years On: Still Seeking Justice for Easter Sunday Bombings

Deniyaya, Sri Lanka — April 21, 2024

The churches have been restored for congregations to worship, and the luxury hotels have been repaired for the elite to dine in. But the families of victims are still seeking justice for the carnage of April 21, 2019. On that fateful day, 269 people died and 500 more were injured in the Easter Sunday bombings that shook Sri Lanka.

In a solemn commemoration, religious services held at St. Anthony’s in Kochikade and St. Sebastian’s in Katuwapitiya. Survivors and their supporters participated in a peaceful march, their footsteps echoing the urgency of their cause.

A Call to Action

The wounds of that tragic day remain open. The VOPP continues to champion understanding, advocacy, and empowerment. Let us stand with those who seek justice, ensuring that the memory of the Easter Sunday bombings drives us toward a more just and compassionate society.

Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) Promotes Understanding and Advocacy - Community Peace Dialogue Empowers Youth in Deniyaya

Deniyaya, Sri Lanka — April 4, 2024

The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) recently orchestrated a Community Peace Dialogue at the elegant Levendro Hotel in Deniyaya. Nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, the hotel served as an ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and transformative discussions.

Fostering Understanding and Empowering Minds

The event brought together 22 enthusiastic youths, each with a passion for change and a commitment to their community. Held on the 4th of April 2024, the dialogue aimed to address misconceptions, empower young minds, and encourage active participation in the democratic process. Here are the key highlights:

1. Facilitator Extraordinaire: Mr. Weerasingham, a respected figure in community development, skillfully guided the program. His expertise ensured that participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Sri Lanka’s constitution and their rights as citizens.
2. Youth Engagement: The dialogue provided a platform for youths to express their concerns, aspirations, and dreams. They delved into how the perspectives of plantation youth intersect with democratic processes and governance. Their voices resonated with passion and determination.
3. Challenges Faced: Despite their energy and unwavering commitment, these young individuals expressed frustration. Their collective struggle? The inability to secure even a single representative in the Southern Provincial Council. This lack of representation has hindered their ability to advocate effectively for their community.
4. Malaiyaga Ethnicity: The participants recognized the significance of the Malaiyaga ethnicity within the broader Sri Lankan context. They pledged to raise awareness among their peers about the importance of including Malaiyaga ethnicity in official records, such as the Census and the Labor Court. By doing so, they hope to amplify the voices of their community.
5. Identity Matters: The historical categorization of Malaiyaga Tamils as Indian migrant workers by the labor court has perpetuated their marginalization. Rectifying this misclassification is crucial. When the Malaiyaga community’s true identity is acknowledged, they can fully enjoy the benefits of democracy.
6. Youth Action: Inspired by the dialogue, the participants resolved to form a cohesive group. As proactive youth, they aim to address systemic issues, advocate for their rights, and overcome challenges. Their commitment to positive change is unwavering.

A Call to Action

The Community Peace Dialogue in Deniyaya was more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for transformation. The VOPP continues to champion understanding, advocacy, and empowerment. As the sun sets over the hills of Deniyaya, the voices of these young change-makers echo, reminding us that progress begins with dialogue and ends with action.

Let us listen, learn, and lift each other toward a brighter future.

Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) Promotes Understanding and Advocacy - Community Peace Dialogue Empowers Youth in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka — April 3rd, 2024

The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) recently orchestrated a Community Peace Dialogue in Galle, a coastal city steeped in history and culture. The event brought together 26 enthusiastic youths at the meeting hall of Caritas SED Galle, where they engaged in meaningful conversations, explored their rights, and charted a path toward positive change.

Fostering Understanding and Empowering Minds

The primary objective of the dialogue was to foster understanding among the youth, address misconceptions, and empower them to actively participate in the democratic process. Here are the key highlights:

1. Facilitator Extraordinaire: Mr. Weerasingham, a seasoned facilitator, skillfully guided the program. His expertise ensured that participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Sri Lanka’s constitution and their rights as citizens.
2. Youth Engagement: The dialogue provided a platform for youths to express their concerns, aspirations, and dreams. They delved into how the perspectives of plantation youth intersect with democratic processes and governance. Their voices resonated with passion and determination.
3. Challenges Faced: Despite their energy and unwavering commitment, these young individuals expressed frustration. Their collective struggle? The inability to secure even a single representative in the Southern Provincial Council. This lack of representation has hindered their ability to advocate effectively for their community.
4. Malaiyaga Ethnicity: The participants recognized the significance of the Malaiyaga ethnicity within the broader Sri Lankan context. They pledged to raise awareness among their peers about the importance of including Malaiyaga ethnicity in official records, such as the Census and the Labor Court. By doing so, they hope to amplify the voices of their community.
5. Identity Matters: The historical categorization of Malaiyaga Tamils as Indian migrant workers by the labor court has perpetuated their marginalization. Rectifying this misclassification is crucial. When the Malaiyaga community’s true identity is acknowledged, they can fully enjoy the benefits of democracy.
6. Youth Action: Inspired by the dialogue, the participants resolved to form a cohesive group. As proactive youth, they aim to address systemic issues, advocate for their rights, and overcome challenges. Their commitment to positive change is unwavering.

A Call to Action

The Community Peace Dialogue in Galle was more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for transformation. The VOPP continues to champion understanding, advocacy, and empowerment. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, the voices of these young change-makers echo, reminding us that progress begins with dialogue and ends with action.

Let us listen, learn, and lift each other toward a brighter future.

Proposed plantation wage hike: Workers remain in the dark & skeptical

  WWW.themoring.lk (https://www.themorning.lk/articles/OUYoGNJWdkoHrlVzLgRY)

Although estate sector workers remain generally unaware about the proposals put forward by plantation companies with regard to wage hikes, when it comes to the matter of wage hikes, they also remain considerably sceptical, according to estate sector workers’ associations.

Speaking of the said proposals–which, as per media reports, suggest to provide workers with a 33% wage hike under the productivity based wage model or a 22% wage hike under the attendance-based wage model - the Voice of Plantation People organisation’s (VPPO) Executive Director Anthony Jesudasan said that estate sector workers remain largely unaware of the said proposals, and that not all matters discussed at the higher levels are communicated to the grassroots level.

He told The Daily Morning that however, overall, plantation sector workers remain sceptical about wage-related proposals and decisions, as they have not adequately benefitted from past decisions pertaining to wages. According to him, an example of the same was the proposal to increase the estate sector workers’ daily minimum wage to Rs. 1,000. Even though the proposal was approved, there are still workers who get paid less than Rs. 1,000 based on the quantity of the tea leaves that they pluck per day, and this, Jesudasan explained, is a result of various conditions that come with wage-related decisions. 

Moreover, he explained that if impractical or unfair conditions are imposed with regard to the implementation of the said wage hikes, given also the weather conditions and other practical concerns, it would still be difficult for estate sector workers to benefit from a wage hike. He further pointed out the need to root out exploitation in the estate sector.

As per the media reports, the aforesaid wage-related proposals have been communicated by regional plantation companies and the Employers Federation of Ceylon to the Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara in a recently submitted proposal regarding the estate sector.

Attempts to contact the Planters’ Association of Ceylon to discuss estate sector workers’ concerns proved futile.

THEMORNING.LK

Proposed plantation wage hike: Workers remain in the dark & sceptical

People's Alliance for Right to Land (PARL) Addresses National Land Issues

The People's Alliance for Right to Land (PARL) convened a national core committee meeting on March 21st, 2024, in Colombo, to address the pressing land issues and challenges facing Sri Lanka. The meeting, attended by a multitude of civil society organizations, served as a platform for dialogue and strategic planning to overcome existing hurdles.

With land rights being a critical issue impacting communities across Sri Lanka, the PARL meeting aimed to foster collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. Representatives from various civil society organizations actively participated, sharing insights, experiences, and proposed solutions to address the complex landscape of                                                                                             land-    related  issues.

"The national core committee meeting provided a crucial opportunity to assess the current state of land rights in Sri Lanka and chart a course for collective action," remarked a spokesperson for PARL. "By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we are better equipped to advocate for meaningful reforms and address systemic challenges."

Key topics discussed during the meeting included land tenure security, land grabbing, displacement, and access to land for marginalized communities. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue, identifying priority areas for intervention and strategies to promote equitable land governance and rights.

"The participation of civil society organizations underscores the importance of collective action in advancing land rights and social justice," stated a representative from one of the participating organizations. "Through collaborative efforts, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable land tenure system in Sri Lanka."

As PARL continues its advocacy efforts, stakeholders are encouraged to remain engaged and contribute to ongoing discussions and initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights of all Sri Lankans to land and property.

 

Formation of Matara District Committee for Malaiyaham Rights

In a significant development aimed at championing the rights of the Malaiyaham people in the Southern Province, the Matara District Committee was appointed yesterday, March 24th, 2024. This committee, in collaboration with the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP), is tasked with advocating for the welfare and rights of the Malaiyaham community.

Following a comprehensive workshop organized by VOPP, the committee members were carefully selected to ensure representation and dedication to the cause. They formally accepted their responsibilities by taking an oath, signifying their commitment to serve the interests of the Malaiyaham people.

"The appointment of the Matara District Committee marks a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to empower and uplift the Malaiyaham community," stated a spokesperson for VOPP. "By working hand in hand with dedicated individuals, we aim to address systemic challenges and drive positive change."

The committee's mandate encompasses a wide range of issues affecting the Malaiyaham population, including social, economic, and political concerns. Through collaborative initiatives and advocacy campaigns, they seek to amplify the voices of the marginalized and ensure their rights are upheld.

 "We are honored to accept this responsibility and pledge to work tirelessly for the betterment of our community," expressed a member of the newly appointed committee. "Together, with the support of VOPP, we are determined to make meaningful strides towards a more just and equitable society."

As the Matara District Committee embarks on its mission, stakeholders are encouraged to actively engage and support their endeavors. By fostering unity and collective action, they aim to create a brighter future for the Malaiyaham people in the Southern Province.

VOPP Workshop Empowers Matara District Malaiyaha Community

The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) recently concluded a pivotal workshop aimed at identifying and prioritizing the pressing issues facing the Malaiyaha community in the Matara district on 24^th March 2024. This workshop signifies a significant step towards addressing the community's challenges and fostering positive change.

With the active participation of 25 dedicated estate-level leaders, the workshop provided a platform to delve deep into the heart of the community's concerns. Through collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue, a robust district pressure group emerged, poised to advocate for meaningful solutions.

"We are committed to prioritizing the issues that matter most to our people," stated a spokesperson for VOPP. "By empowering voices and fostering collaboration, we aim to drive tangible change and improve the lives of the Malaiyaha community."

The formation of the district pressure group underscores VOPP's dedication to grassroots advocacy and community engagement. As the organization continues its efforts, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing dialogue.

"Together, we have the power to create a brighter future for the Malaiyaha community," the spokesperson added.