Interview had with Dr.P.P. Sivapragasam Secretary General of the Coalition of Agricultural
Workers International (CAWI) and Director of the Human Development Organization
through the Thinakaran Media.
Workers International (CAWI) and Director of the Human Development Organization
through the Thinakaran Media.
Appreciation Programe for the Gr 05 Scholarship Students
The dawn and transformation of the Malayaga community depend on the key to education. If the Malayaga community is to absorb the new social and political changes in Sri Lanka, it can only do so by promoting education, social knowledge, equality and social justice. In the certification programe held at Vigneswara Tamil Vidyalayam, Panwila the Chief Guest Dr.P.P.Sivapragasam, Executive Director of the Human Development Organization and General Secretary of the Coalition of Agricultural Workers International (CAWI), stated in his speech, that the Malayaga community should prepare for socio-political change from modern slavery to social and political change. At this programe, certificates and medals were presented to the students of the Malayaga community who scored more than 70 marks in the scholarship examination. About 500 parents, 50 principals, teachers, and well-wishers from the Panwila area were participated in this programe. In the programe Dr.P.P. Sivapragasam said that children can be developed by appreciating them.
In addition, parents and children sometimes face psychological problems due to changes in educational outcomes. Sometimes they even live with depression. In this context, such appreciation is important to further broaden their confidence in their education, to demonstrate the progress of results, and to maintain confidence and determination. Therefore, HDO is conducting such felicitation ceremonies and awareness activities for the children and parents. Child labour is still prevalent in the Malayaga. Malayaga children are the most engaged in child labour in Sri Lanka. It is an expression of slavery.
This slavery is a curse that has followed for the last 200 years. It should be noted that this is not found in any other social organization in Sri Lanka. The Upcountry society is such a reactionary atmosphere because the political base and social structure of the Malayagam is very weak and is absorbing modern slavery. One of the reasons for this has been the weak politics that has consistently ruled the Malayaga community. Now we are at a time to break this political structure. It is not enough to merely develop school buildings and provide physical resources. Politics should also be banned from entering the schools. We need to think about healthy social politics. We believe this will be the reason for the rapid transformation in upcountry education. In this programe Mrs. P.Logeswary the General Secretary of the Women's Solidarity Front, school principals, and parents were also provided their thoughts.
A meeting held with His Excellency President and the CSO members on the draft law of civil organization.
There are many debates about the draft law that the government is going to bring regarding the regulation of civil organizations operating in Sri Lanka. There is a prevailing view that the draft law, which contains various legal provisions, parts and sub-sections, is aimed at controlling or limiting the effectiveness of civil society, especially non-governmental organizations. Against this background, a high-level delegation of civil society organizations met the President, Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe to discuss about this matters. In this discussion on behalf of the Human Development Organization, our Chief Programe Coordinator Mrs. P. Logeshwary also participated.
During the discussion, the role and importance of NGOs participation in the development of Sri Lanka were noted and it was pointed out that there are many contradictions in this draft law as well as violations of fundamental rights and institutional freedoms and democratic values as per Article 14 (c) of Chapter 3 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
While some NGOs have agreed to the draft of the law and made some of the mentioned changes, most of the organizations have been arguing that this draft is completely against the activities of NGOs. Overall, there has been no widespread discussion of the draft legislation. At the same time, it is important that many civil organizations are not aware of this matter and it is necessary for the civil organizations to present their views on this draft law. Otherwise, there will be a huge repercussion.
Commission on the Status of Women NGO Side Virtual Event : Feminization of poverty- How does poverty affect the lives of women discriminated against on work and descent?
Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and
Descent (GFoD), along with partner entities: European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO), Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts,
and Romalitico – Institute for Research and Policy Analysis organise
a side event focusing on addressing the intersectionality of discrimination,
marginalization and poverty faced by women from Communities Discriminated
on Work and Descent (CDWD).
Appreciation Programe for the Gr 05 Scholarship Students
The Human Development Organization organized a certification program to recognize the achievements of plantation students who scored over 70 marks in the Grade 5 Scholarship examination - 2023. Additionally, a discussion was held on designing education for social change and transformation for plantation children.
This program was held on 02nd March 2024 to the students in the Deltota Area and on 03rd March 2024 at Mooloya. In these programs around 400 students from 25 schools in Deltota and Hewaheta participated and were awarded with the certificates and medals.
This program was conducted under the guidance of the Director of the Human Development Organization with the support of women's groups, parents, HDO staffs and volunteers. In this program Principals, Teachers, Parents and youths were also participated.
Community Agro Ecological
Women’s Fair
Community Agro Ecological
Women’s Fair
The Human Development Organization (HDO)
with the support of the Agro Ecology Fund (AEF) organized a Community Agro
Ecological Women’s Fair on 04th November 2023 at Deltota by encouraging and supporting local women in
agriculture. Through this fair the small farmers/rural women’s got
the opportunities to sell their own locally-grown, fresh,
organic/chemical-pesticide free garden fresh
vegetables/fruits, food, spices, sweets and farm fresh dairy
and poultry products and also clothes, cosmetics, handmade crafts, flower
plants etc. The fair was
inaugurated by the Divisional Secretary of Deltota and the Programe Coordinator
of HDO.
Voice from the Hills:
The Malaiyaga Tamil Community in Sri Lanka
Unflagging Dedication for Two Centuries…
In the heart of Sri Lanka, nestled within its verdant hills and lush landscapes, exists a community with a remarkable history: The Malayaga Thamilar. As the calendar turns to 2023, it's a significant milestone for the Malaiyaga Tamil people (Hill country Plantation Tamils) in Sri Lanka. After two centuries of existence and unflagging dedication to propelling the nation's economy forward, the Plantation Tamil workers stand at an intriguing juncture in Sri Lanka. Their substantial contribution to the country's income inevitably raises the question of whether they should rightfully share the same rights as their fellow citizens. Paradoxically, despite being an economic backbone, this group finds itself enduring a life of profound oppression across social, political, cultural, and economic dimensions. This calls for a closer look at their journey and the challenges they continue to face on their road to recognition, dignity and equality. Plantation Tamils, hailing from Indian roots, embarked on a transformative journey to Sri Lanka (Ceylon) during the 19th and 20th centuries, assigned to work on the island's flourishing plantations. This community, often referred to as Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka, traces their lineage predominantly to laborers dispatched from caste affected groups, in Tamil Nadu, situated in the southern part of India. Their narrative is one of migration, adaptation, and vital contributions to shaping the history of both lands.
Malayaga tamil people - history - life - struggle
over two centuries - people's declaration
The people of the hill country are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economic, and social development. The year 2023 marks the end of 200 years since they were brought from South India to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) as laborers. At a time when various events have been organized to commemorate the 200 years, we launch this declaration to draw the attention of those, concerned as to the historical background, the condition of the life that these have lived and challenges they faced; and in the meantime to charter a course for the century ahead with constructive action to sustain their human rights and march forward as a community as citizens with equal rights and in the meantime preserving its identity.
The meeting for the purpose of launching this declaration on Loolecandura Estate, Deltota had been jointly organized by the Workers Solidarity Union, Women’s Solidarity Front, Hill Country Women’s Forum, and Civil Organizations and Intellectuals under the patronage of HDO. Loolecandura Estate, had been chosen as the appropriate venue on the grounds of its being the first tea estate to be created by the pioneer planter James Taylor who himself lived there and died. The gathering included the hill country plantation workers of Loolecandura as well as outside women, youths, social activists, civil society organizations, teachers, and government officers.
