Under the theme “Let us amplify the voices of Malaiyaha women for justice and sustainable solutions,” the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP), together with Malaiyaha Tamil women and other women from the Southern, Western, and Central Provinces, was held with great dignity on 13.03.2026 at the SedGalle organization Hall in Galle. The event was graced by the Hon. Governor of the Southern Province, Prof.. Susiripala Manawadu, as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished attendees were the Galle District Secretary (Government Agent), Mr. K. U. Chandralal, the Governor’s Coordinating Secretary, Hon. P. Gauthami, Member of the Palindanuwara (Kalutara) Pradeshiya Sabha, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Raymond Wickramasinghe, Bishop of the Catholic Church of the Southern Province, Ven. Retired Principal and Scholar Nagiyadeniya Gnanothara Thero, Sri Vignesh Sharma Kurukkal (Hindu) Ajmal Nalmi Moulavi of the Galle Jumma Mosque, Rev. Sr. Deepa Fernando, Rev. Fr. Michael Rajendran, Vicar General of the Catholic Church of the Southern Province and Director of SedGalle organization, Rev. Fr. Nimesh, Secretary to the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Damian Arsakularatne, Parish Priest of Galle cathedral, Rev. Sr. Shiromi, Rev. Sr. Krishanthi, Religious leaders, the Officer-in-Charge of the Women and Children’s Desk of the Galle Police Station, government officials, principals of Malaiyaha schools, representatives of civil society organizations from Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Negombo, Galle, and Matara, members including the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of VOPP, and more than 150 participants including Malaiyaha women, men, and youth from the Galle, Matara, and Kalutara districts.
During the event, Malaiyaha women presented their social, economic, and cultural issues directly through panel discussions and drama performances. A document containing their demands was formally handed over to the Governor, the Galle District Secretary, and all invited guests. This process created an important platform to strongly amplify the voices of women and to draw attention to their rights and concerns at decision-making levels.
The newly appointed Governor assured that special attention would be given to the issues faced by the Malaiyaha community and pledged to take immediate actions to address them. Other invited guests also emphasized their commitment to working towards resolving these issues, collaborating with the Voice of the Plantation People Organization, and bringing these concerns to broader public attention. The cultural performances presented by women during and at the conclusion of the program were a distinctive highlight of the celebration.
