The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) successfully conducted a leadership training programme for selected Malaiyaha youth from Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, and Badulla districts.
The three-day Youth Leadership Training for Problem Solving was held on 25th and 27th January 2026 at Oruthota Chalet, Digana – Kandy, bringing together Malaiyaha Tamil youth from Hindu and Christian communities.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Anthony Jesudasan, Executive Director of VOPP, as the Resource Person. Strong support in facilitation and ground-level coordination was provided by Ms. Lavina Hasanthi (Programme Director), Ms. Mithara Perera (Accountant), Mr. Anton Wanaththaiya (Field Manager), and Mr. K. Sogasuji (Kalutara District Coordinator).
The programme focused on strengthening youth leadership, peace-building, and practical problem-solving skills relevant to Malaiyaha community development. Through participatory sessions including group discussions, role plays, meditation, videos, and experience sharing, youth explored leadership values, self-awareness, trust-building, reconciliation, and community responsibility.
Participants collectively identified key social, economic, and rights-based challenges faced by the Malaiyaha community and developed youth-led solutions, contributing to an alternative policy paper for submission to relevant authorities. Youth reflected on increased confidence, teamwork, emotional balance, and readiness to serve as peace-building community leaders.
This programme also strengthened inter-district youth networks and reinforced collective leadership for a just, peaceful, and dignified future for the Malaiyaha community.
The programme was implemented with the support of VRIDDHI Civil Society Network.
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