The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) held a two-day special discussion with religious leaders to explore ways of working together to address land, housing, education, and other basic issues faced by the Malaiyaha community in the Southern Province.
VOPP representatives met with:
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Rev. Thero Dammapaala Dammarakkitha (Retired Principal, Buddhist clergy – Deniyaya)
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Rev. Fr. Ansalam (Parish Priest, St. Sebastian’s Church, Hulandawa)
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Rev. Fr. Anthony Jesudasan (Director of CODESEP and Parish Priest, Aninkanda Church)
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Sivasri Yogeswara Kurukkal (Chief Priest, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Deniyaya

During the discussions, VOPP officially handed over its research report and shared the key recommendations aimed at improving the social, economic, educational, and housing conditions of the Malaiyaha community. The team also discussed how religious leaders could support the implementation and advocacy of these recommendations to ensure tangible outcomes for the community.