The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) conducted a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop on 01 and 02 September 2026 to develop a strategic plan for the recovery and rebuilding of Malaiyaha communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah at Green Hill Retreat House, Kotagala in Hatton.
The workshop focused on understanding and analyzing the current situation of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with particular attention to resettlement, land and housing rights, education, livelihoods, access to essential services, and other challenges faced by affected communities. The main objective was to identify key issues and develop coordinated strategies and actions to address these challenges and support the recovery and rebuilding process.
The workshop brought together leaders and representatives of civil society organizations working to promote and protect the rights of Malaiyaha communities, representatives from the education sector, social activists, and other key stakeholders. Participants representing Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Galle, and Kalutara Districts took part in the workshop, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives from different Malaiyaha communities across the country.
Members of the Civil Society Collective for Malaiyaha Reconstruction and the People’s Movement for Malaiyaha Land Rights also participated in the workshop, contributing their experiences and perspectives on the challenges faced by Malaiyaha communities and the need for collective action.
During the two-day workshop, participants conducted an in-depth analysis of the current situation of Malaiyaha communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, drawing on available information, community-level experiences, and evidence from affected areas. Particular attention was given to issues related to displacement and resettlement, land and housing rights, education, livelihoods, access to basic services, and the long-term recovery needs of affected communities.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the recovery and rebuilding process is rights-based, inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs and priorities of affected communities. Participants emphasized that the voices and concerns of affected Malaiyaha people should be meaningfully reflected in government policies, development interventions, and decision-making processes related to recovery and resettlement.
The participants further discussed the importance of responding to these challenges through collective and coordinated action rather than through individual organizational efforts. The need to strengthen collaboration, information sharing, joint advocacy, and coordination among civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders was emphasized.
Based on the discussions and analysis, key priorities and areas for intervention were identified, and a strategic action plan was developed for collective engagement as a network. The plan aims to strengthen advocacy for the rights of Malaiyaha communities, support affected communities in accessing their rights and essential services, ensure their meaningful participation in recovery processes, and contribute to a sustainable and rights-based rebuilding process.
Attorney-at-Law Balachandran Gauthaman served as the resource person for the workshop and contributed his knowledge, experience, and legal expertise to the discussions and strategic planning process. His contribution supported participants in examining the issues from a rights-based and legal perspective and in identifying possible areas for future advocacy and action.
The workshop provided an important platform for civil society organizations, community representatives, education-sector stakeholders, social activists, and other relevant actors to collectively assess the challenges faced by Malaiyaha communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to develop a common direction for future action.
The workshop also strengthened the foundation for joint advocacy, coordination, and collective action towards the recovery, rebuilding, and protection of the rights, dignity, and long-term wellbeing of Malaiyaha communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
