Date: 5th January 2025
Venue: Meeting Hall, SEDGalle, Galle
Districts Represented: Matara, Galle, and Kalutara
Supported by: AJWS
The Voice of the Plantation People (VOPP) successfully convened a landmark meeting on 5th January 2025 to officially form its General Body, with representatives from the Matara, Galle, and Kalutara districts. This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening the organization’s structure and advancing its mission to uphold the rights and development of the Malaiyaha (plantation) community in the Southern and Western Provinces.
The meeting brought together community leaders and representatives from various sectors who engaged in meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting plantation communities—particularly land and housing rights, education, and livelihood development. Participants highlighted the importance of collective action and policy advocacy to ensure that the voices of the plantation people are effectively represented at both national and regional levels.
Throughout the session, participants identified priority areas for action and developed strategic steps to guide VOPP’s future initiatives. The meeting also included the election of new office bearers for the General Body, ensuring broad-based representation and leadership accountability within the organization.
Facilitators:
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Anthony Jesudasan – Executive Director, VOPP / Lavina Hasanthi – Program Director, VOPP/F. Raajan – National Program Officer
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Anton Wanaththaiya – Field Manager /A. Jesman and K. Yogasuji – District Coordinators
The formation of the General Body represents a crucial step in building a unified platform for the plantation community to engage in advocacy, development, and empowerment activities. The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to continue collective efforts toward realizing VOPP’s vision of a prosperous and just society for the plantation people.
