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On May 21, 2025, the Institute of Social Development (ISD), in collaboration with trade union leaders and civil society organizations, commemorated International Tea Day in Nuwara Eliya with the participation of approximately 350 community members and stakeholders. This significant event was held to raise awareness on the historical and ongoing struggles of the Malaiyaga Thamilar Community (MTC), particularly plantation workers, and to amplify their collective demands for justice, dignity, and development. The main objective of this event was to advocate and pressurize the government on the fundamental issues of the MTC faced for last 202 years and to reemphasize on the demands put forward in Malaiyagam 200 declaration in the year 2023.
On January 7, 2025, Hon. Minister Samantha Vidyaratna addressed Parliament, emphasizing the urgent need to address the socio-economic hardships of the Malaiyaga Thamizhar communities. On February 6, 2025, the Institute of Social Development, along with civil society, academia, and trade unions, met with key ministers to present policy recommendations. The ministers responded positively, committing to prioritizing the proposals. Minister Vidyaratna confirmed in Parliament that immediate action will be taken to implement these recommendations through circulars and legislative measures, marking a significant step toward addressing long-standing community challenges
The policy recommendations and demands of the Malaiyaga Thamilzhar communities were officially handed over to the Hon. Prime Minister, Harini Amarasuriya, by the Institute of Social Development and Civil Society representatives on January 30, 2025, at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the meeting, the team engaged in a detailed and productive discussion, highlighting key issues that require urgent government action through necessary policy measures and reforms.
The discussion, primarily focused to ensure meaningful policy recommendations that address the longstanding unresolved issues of Recognition of the Malaiyaga Thamilzhar identity, Land and housing rights, particularly stop the flats housing system, Livelihood and community development, Transformation of estate settlements into formal village system, Education improvements in the plantation sector, Streamlining healthcare services, Access to efficient public services, Restructuring the plantation industry and Women’s empowerment.
At a recent media conference, ISD and civil society organizations presented a roadmap to potential presidential candidates, outlining key policy recommendations to address the long-standing marginalization of the Malaiyaga Thamilar (MTC) community.
Key Points Discussed:
• Mr. P. Muthulingam emphasized the significance of submitting the memorandum and the MTC community’s overlooked contributions to Sri Lanka’s economy.
• YM Nawarathna Bandara called attention to the appalling living and working conditions still faced by the MTC community, despite their role during crises like the pandemic.
• S. Murugaiyah advocated for new housing units and land ownership, while also raising concerns about unqualified doctors in the estate sector.
• K. Yogeshwary highlighted gender issues in the estate sector, stressing the need for women’s empowerment.
• KP Chaminda Piyasekara pointed out the ongoing difficulties in obtaining identity cards and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
This collective effort underscores the importance of addressing these pressing issues as part of Sri Lanka’s path forward.
In a groundbreaking move, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from Nuwara Eliya and Matale, representing the Malaiyaga Thamilar (Hill Country Tamils), have taken a bold step towards political empowerment in the 2024 Presidential Elections. For the first time, the community has shifted from being passive recipients of political promises to active participants in the democratic process by submitting citizen charters to the presidential candidates.
This initiative, led by the Institute of Social Development (ISD), has given the Malaiyaga Thamilar community a platform to voice their pressing issues. The citizen charters highlight the struggles faced in estate divisions, emphasizing concerns like land ownership, housing, healthcare, and identity documentation, while addressing the deteriorating living and working conditions in the plantation sector.
For over two centuries, the Malaiyaga Thamilar have endured systemic marginalization. Now, through these charters, the community is demanding real change and accountability from those seeking office. This is a powerful example of how marginalized communities can unite and use their votes to make an impact.
The Institute of Social Development (ISD) remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of the Malaiyaga Thamilar community. In our ongoing efforts to bring attention to the urgent needs and concerns of our people, ISD is proud to announce that we will be submitting a comprehensive memorandum to potential presidential candidates. This memorandum includes over ten critical demands that address key issues affecting our community.
To mark this significant occasion, ISD is organizing a public event on 5th September 2024 at Cinecita Town Hall, Nuwara Eliya. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., and will be followed by a public demonstration to further amplify our voices and draw attention to our cause.
We invite all members of the community, supporters, and advocates of social justice to join us in this crucial movement. Your presence and support will be instrumental in ensuring that the needs and rights of the Malaiyaga Thamilar community are heard and addressed at the highest levels of government.
Efforts to promote the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190) have included a series of awareness campaigns targeting various stakeholders, such as NGOs, trade unions, women’s organizations, and parliamentarians. Key activities have involved conducting study circle sessions, organizing virtual meetings, distributing informative leaflets, and engaging directly with policymakers through letters. These initiatives aimed to educate communities about C190, its significance in safeguarding workers’ rights, particularly for women, and its implications for workplace safety. The campaigns have successfully raised awareness among a wide range of community members and leaders, fostering support for a safer, more respectful work environment.
The Institute of Social Development (ISD) has taken a significant step towards empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) in Sri Lanka’s marginalized Malaiyaga Thamilar Community
Institute of Social Development (ISD) is a non-governmental organization based in Kandy Sri Lanka, established in 1991 by a group of activists who works in the field of human right, labour, gender…
The group concluded that unless the marginalized communities are not empowered to demand and defend their ensured rights, outsiders cannot influence them for sustainable change.
The Ministry of Plantation Industries is awaiting feedback from other State agencies to move ahead with a proposed relief package for estate sector communities who are struggling to survive amidst the current crisis.
Many segments of the estate community are struggling to get by with no relief in sight, while being affected by food shortages and high inflation.
