Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ C. Selvararajah, a Sri Lankan native now serving as a prominent solicitor in London, UK, and running his own legal firm, expressed his intention to launch several initiatives aimed at uplifting the education and living standards of disadvantaged families employed in the plantation sector in Sri Lanka. While on holiday in Colombo, Selvararajah conveyed his desire to engage with relevant authorities to discuss and propose measures that would receive support from the diaspora and influential international organizations.
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Despite the plantation sector’s significant contribution to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, Selvararajah highlighted the persistent issues of underpayment and the lack of fundamental facilities such as adequate housing, healthcare, and education for estate workers. He noted that the wages provided to them do not align with the rapidly escalating inflation rates. Additionally, estate workers encounter challenges in obtaining essential identification documents, including passports. Although the government has undertaken noteworthy steps, such as offering permanent housing and identification papers, Selvararajah emphasized the need for increased investment in the welfare initiatives of the Sri Lankan estate worker community.
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Commending India’s efforts to construct permanent houses for plantation workers, Selvararajah stressed the necessity for additional housing to accommodate those without proper living conditions. Concerningly, a growing number of workers, particularly within the age group of 25 to 40, are leaving the plantation sector for urban areas in pursuit of more lucrative employment opportunities. Selvararajah cautioned that if this trend continues, the industry could face a labor shortage in the near future.
While acknowledging the government’s exploration of various options to mitigate the economic crisis, Selvarajah asserted that increasing wages for estate employees should be a top priority. He expressed his readiness to garner support from international donors to enhance amenities, including housing, sanitation, and hygiene facilities for plantation workers, intending to engage in discussions with relevant officials soon to advance these efforts.
