Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) has been actively implementing various initiatives to guarantee and safeguard the rights of the Malaiyaha (Plantation) Country community. As part of these efforts, the organization focuses on strengthening community structures and leadership, with a strong emphasis on empowering women leaders and expanding their opportunities.
Recognizing the impact of these initiatives, 40 more Malaiyaha Country women from the Kalutara district have stepped forward to take on community leadership roles.
The primary gathering for this initiative took place on July 29, 2026, in Matugama. The event was guided and led by District Coordinator K. Yogasuji, VOPP Operational Director and Women’s Program In-Charge Lavina Hasanthi, and Executive Director Anthony Jesudasan.
During the meeting, the participating women engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the key challenges they face in their daily lives.
Key Issues Raised:
Inadequate Housing: Many families continue to live in ancient line rooms. Some families still reside in mud houses, while sub-families live in extremely poor conditions in makeshift shelters wrapped in polythene and cloth.
Lack of Basic Infrastructure: Numerous families live without basic necessities such as safe drinking water, electricity, and proper sanitation facilities.
Educational Setbacks: Due to a severe shortage of teachers for critical subjects—such as Mathematics, Science, and English—alongside a lack of basic school infrastructure, student dropout rates continue to rise steadily.
Low Female Participation in Decision-Making: Women’s involvement in community affairs and leadership in key decision-making processes remains significantly low.
Expressing their determination to overcome these challenges, the women pledged to take on leadership roles and actively drive solutions within their communities.
Additionally, an administrative committee and an executive committee were formally elected during the meeting, and the body was officially named the “Kurinji” District Malaiyaha Country Women’s Federation.
