A special discussion was held on October 31, 2025, in the evening between Vicar General of the Southern Province Catholic mission and the Director of Caritas SED Galle, the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Social Infrastructure, government officials, and civil society organizations regarding the issues faced by the Malaiyaha Tamil community in the Southern Province and the necessary actions to be taken.
During the discussion, special attention was drawn to the challenges faced by the Malaiyaha Tamil community living in the Galle and Matara districts, including issues in education (shortage of teachers and resources), vocational training opportunities for Malaiyaha youth, land and housing problems, as well as cultural and language challenges. The participants also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among the government, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to find sustainable solutions to these issues.
The meeting was attended by the Vicar General of the Southern Province Catholic mission and the Director of Caritas SED Galle Very Rev. Fr. Michael Rajendram, The Deputy Minister of Plantation and Social Infrastructure, Hon. Sundaralingam Pradeepan; the Minister’s Advisor, Mr. Marcus, the Coordinating Secretary, Mr. Sivanesan, the Media Secretary, Mr. Ajithkumar, the Executive Director of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization, Mr. Anthony Jesudasan, the Coordinator of Caritas SED Galle -Mr. Manuel, the Program Director of the Voice of the Plantation People Organization- Ms. Lavina Hasanthi; and Mr. Madan from the Galle District Secretariat, along with several other officials.
