The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) achieved another significant milestone on 9 October 2026 (At Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI in Colombo) with the establishment of the National Malaiyaha Women’s Federation (NMWF), marking an important step towards strengthening the collective voice, leadership, and rights of Malaiyaha women in Sri Lanka.
The Federation was established by bringing together representatives of the “Sigaram,” “Imayam,” and “Kurinji” District Malaiyaha Women’s Federations from Matara, Galle, and Kalutara, along with Malaiyaha women representatives from Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Ratnapura, and Badulla districts. This initiative aims to unite women leaders from different districts under a common platform to address the challenges faced by the Malaiyaha community and promote women’s empowerment, equality, and social justice.
The day’s programme commenced with the preparation of the Federation’s constitution, the development of its conceptual framework, and strategic planning for its future activities. An awareness workshop was also conducted to strengthen women’s leadership, enhance their understanding of rights and responsibilities, and encourage collective action. Following these discussions and preparatory activities, the National Malaiyaha Women’s Federation was formally inaugurated in the evening.
As part of the establishment process, a General Assembly comprising 32 members and an Executive Committee consisting of 21 members were formed. In addition, seven office bearers were appointed to lead and manage the affairs of the National Malaiyaha Women’s Federation. The positions of National Convener, Technical Advisor, and Operational Advisor were also identified to provide strategic direction, technical guidance, and support for the Federation’s future activities.
Attorney-at-Law Jeevani Kariyawasam served as the resource person and effectively facilitated the workshop, supporting the participants in developing a shared vision and understanding of the Federation’s objectives. Anthony Jesudasan, Executive Director of VOPP, provided guidance and facilitated discussions throughout the programme.
Lavina Hasanthi, Programme Director and Head of the Gender Development Programme; V. Priyadharshini, National Programme Coordinator; Anton Wanaththiya, Field Manager; K. Harshini, Galle District Coordinator; K. Yogasuji, Kalutara District Coordinator; and Dineshia, Matara District Promoter, made valuable contributions to the planning, coordination, and implementation of the event.
Leaders and representatives of various women’s organizations participated in the inauguration ceremony as special guests, expressing their support and best wishes for the newly established Federation and its future initiatives.
VOPP extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Alagar Selvaraj, Lecturer Shanmugavadivu, Mr. Suresh Nadesan, and Mr. Pathmanathan for their valuable assistance in connecting and bringing together women representatives from different districts, thereby contributing to the successful establishment of this national-level initiative.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka for its financial support towards this important initiative and its contribution to strengthening Malaiyaha women’s leadership and collective action.
Expanding the Federation to Build a Stronger National Voice
The establishment of the National Malaiyaha Women’s Federation is only the beginning of a broader journey towards building a strong, inclusive, and representative national movement for Malaiyaha women. As part of its future plans, the Federation intends to expand its network by bringing together women leaders and representatives from Kandy, Monaragala, Kegalle, and other districts where Malaiyaha communities reside.
This planned expansion will create opportunities for more women to participate in decision-making, share their experiences, identify common challenges, and work collectively towards sustainable solutions. It will also help strengthen connections among district-level women’s federations, community leaders, and civil society organizations, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Malaiyaha women from different geographical areas are represented at the national level.
Through this expanding network, the Federation aims to promote women’s leadership, protect land and housing rights, advance gender justice, strengthen social protection, and address other pressing issues affecting Malaiyaha women and their families. It will also encourage greater participation of women in public life, policy discussions, and community-level decision-making.
The establishment of the National Malaiyaha Women’s Federation represents a significant milestone in VOPP’s ongoing commitment to empowering the Malaiyaha community. By bringing women together across districts and building a shared platform for advocacy and action, the Federation seeks to transform individual voices into a powerful collective voice for equality, dignity, justice, and social change.
With the planned inclusion of additional districts, the Federation aspires to become a more comprehensive national platform that reflects the diversity, aspirations, and priorities of Malaiyaha women across Sri Lanka.
