Horrified’ by plight of Sri Lanka’s plantation workers, says tribunal
- An international tribunal of former judges from the region said it was “horrified by the stark realities” of the lives of Sri Lanka’s tea and rubber plantation workers, after hearing testimonies from workers and trade unions.
Malaiyaha Tamil community:
- Brought to Work the Land: Over 200 years ago, people from India were brought to Sri Lanka to work on the island's tea plantations, high up in the mountains.
- A Unique Group: The Malaiyaha Tamils are a distinct ethnicity, the fourth largest group in Sri Lanka after the Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, and Muslims.
- Facing Hardship: Despite their long history in Sri Lanka, the Malaiyaha Tamils are one of the poorest communities. They are often underpaid and overworked.
- Underappreciated Contribution: Even though their work is essential to Sri Lanka's tea industry, which brings in over $1.3 billion a year from exports, they barely make enough to survive.
Struggles of the Malaiyaha Tamils:
- Discrimination: They continue to face prejudice because of their ethnicity.
- No Land Ownership: They are denied the right to own land, making it even harder for them to improve their lives and escape poverty.
- Exploitation: Many workers, especially women, are forced to work in harsh conditions for low wages. They must meet daily quotas for picking tea leaves, regardless of the weather or safety risks.
- Poor Living Conditions: The plantation workers live in crowded and unhealthy housing built during colonial times.
PRELIMS TAKEAWAY
- Malaiyaha Tamils
- MAP BASED QUESTION