The Voice of the Plantation People Organization conducted a survey on the social, economic, cultural, and political conditions of the Malaiyaha people (Plantation Community) living in the Southern Province, specifically in the Matara and Galle districts. The survey report was officially launched on 29 April 2025. This report identifies a range of challenges faced by the Malaiyaha community in the Southern Province and presents several recommendations for addressing them.
In addition to its work in Matara and Galle, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization also engages with Malaiyaha communities living in Kalutara District in the Western Province and other marginalized areas—regions that often remain overlooked. Recognizing the need for a united and collaborative effort to resolve these deep-rooted issues, the organization convened a national dialogue on 09 July 2025. The event brought together civil society organizations dedicated to social transformation and actively involved in initiatives supporting the Malaiyaha people.
The dialogue was attended by heads and activists of civil society organizations from Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Colombo, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Jaffna districts, along with members of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Lalith Abeysinghe, National Training Consultant.
Several key action points were agreed upon during the discussion, with a strong emphasis on the importance of collective action among all organizations to bring about meaningful and lasting change for the Malaiyaha community.
