An exposure and experience-sharing programme between the Malaiyaha Tamil and Sinhala communities was successfully conducted on 24 October 2026 at the Kithulena Division of Thalangaha Estate, within the Yakkalamulla Divisional Secretariat Division in the Galle District.
This programme was organized under the project titled “Securing the Rights of the Malaiyaha Community through Inclusive Approaches for Peace and Social Cohesion among Sinhala, Muslim and Malaiyaha Tamil Communities,”** jointly implemented in the Galle District by the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) under the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP).
The primary objectives of this programme were to provide members of the Sinhala community with firsthand exposure to the living conditions, challenges and everyday realities of the Malaiyaha Tamil community, while promoting mutual understanding, peace and reconciliation among different ethnic communities.
As part of the programme, Sinhala representatives from the local Reconciliation Committee visited and interacted with the Malaiyaha Tamil community. They were warmly welcomed according to Tamil cultural traditions and customs.
Subsequently, the Sinhala representatives visited the line-room settlements where Malaiyaha Tamil families reside. Through this visit, they gained firsthand knowledge of the living conditions, lack of basic facilities and daily challenges faced by the community.
Such exposure and experience-sharing programmes play an important role in bridging the gaps between different ethnic communities and strengthening mutual respect, trust, understanding and social harmony.
The programme was jointly organized and facilitated by the Mrs. U.G. Maduwanthi, Reconciliation Officer of the Yakkalamulla Divisional Secretariat, Ms. Lavina Hasanthi, Programme Director of VOPP, Ms. V. Priyadarshini, National Programme Coordinator,and Ms. K. Harshani, Galle District Coordinator
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