In the Deniyaya area of the Southern Province, for the first time in history, the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) organized a large procession in Deniyaya town on 24 May 2026, marking International Tea Day.
In this event, more than 300 Malayaga people (plantation people) from the districts of Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla participated. Representatives from various civil society organizations also took part. In particular, the Uva Shakthi Foundation group joined and extended its support.
During the procession, various creative banners and slogans demanding land and housing rights, education rights, a permanent address, and fundamental human rights were displayed. Cultural performances representing the identity of the Malayaga Tamil community were also presented, including Kavadi, Kolattam (stick dance), Kohomba Kankari dance, drumming, and Udekki drumming. In addition, live demonstrations of tea plucking and tea pruning were carried out to highlight the working life of plantation workers and raise awareness among the public.
The procession began from the near by Deniyaya weekly market and proceeded peacefully to the Kotapola Pradeshiya Sabha Hall
