WHO WE ARE
The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) is a national-level community-based organization committed to uplifting the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka — a historically marginalized group that has played an integral role in the nation’s development.
About us
The Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP) is a national-level community-based organization committed to uplifting the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka — a historically marginalized group that has played an integral role in the nation’s development. The Malaiyaga Makkal, or Plantation People, in Sri Lanka have long faced challenges akin to modern-day slavery, encompassing cultural, social, economic, and political struggles. A significant portion of these individuals resides in the Matara and Galle districts, where they confront the hardships of being a minority in the Southern Province. This situation led to the establishment of the Plantation Child Development Organization (PLACDO) in 2000, focusing on children's rights. Unfortunately, PLACDO's operations were limited, and its volunteers sought employment elsewhere. In 2019, activists reignited their efforts, driven by a renewed commitment to serve the plantation communities, especially those displaced by a 2003 landslide and flood. One pressing issue identified was the absence of legal documents for the land received by affected people in 2005. Founded in 2021 and formally registered in 2023, VOPP envisions a future where the Malaiyaha Tamil people enjoy secure land and housing rights, equitable socio-economic opportunities, and a strengthened national identity. Particularly, Southern Malaiyaha people's issues are hidden so VOPP's intention is to bring the issues of the Southern Malaiyaha people. VOPP's mission is to empower the Malaiyaha Tamil community by advocating for their rights, expanding educational and economic opportunities, and preserving their cultural heritage. Committed to principles of social cohesion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, VOPP addresses systemic inequities while fostering collective resilience.
Vision:
A prosperous community with land and housing rights along with a national identity.
Mission:
Strengthening the Malaiyaha community, ensuring their land and housing rights, and fostering the national identity of the Malaiyaha people through the promotion of peace and reconciliation.
- Facilitate legal aid and advocacy programs to ensure equitable land and housing rights for the plantation community.
- Developing the higher education status of children in Malaiyaha.
- Enhancing educational and economic opportunities for Malaiyaha women.
- Establish educational initiatives that promote the preservation and celebration of the cultural identity of the Malaiyaha people.
- Implement community development projects that focus on sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment within the plantation community.
- Organize peace-building workshops and events to foster harmonious relationships and understanding among different communities.
- Advocate for policy changes and reforms to strengthen the legal framework protecting the rights of marginalized communities, particularly the Malaiyaha people.
- Advocate for the protection of human rights and workers’ rights within the plantation community, including advocating against any forms of discrimination and exploitation.
- Empowering women who are victims and preventing all forms of discrimination against them.
- Taking action to mitigate climate change and protect the natural environment.
1. Equal Participation
VOPP is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to actively participate in shaping decisions and actions that impact their lives and communities.
2. Participatory Decision-Making
The organization values collaboration and collective ownership by fostering participatory approaches to decision-making. This ensures that the voices of marginalized groups, especially the Malaiyaha Tamil community, are heard and respected in all processes.
3. Upholding Human Values
VOPP is grounded in the principles of dignity, empathy, and respect for all individuals, promoting a culture that safeguards the inherent rights and humanity of every person.
4. Honoring Pluralism and Diversity
The organization celebrates the richness of cultural, ethnic, and social diversity, recognizing it as a strength. It actively works to create harmony and mutual respect among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
5. Democracy and Gender Justice
VOPP prioritizes democratic principles and the promotion of gender justice by advocating for equality, representation, and empowerment for women and marginalized groups in all spheres of life.
Land and Housing
We work to secure legal land ownership for the Malaiyaha community, advocating for at least 20 perches of land per family. By resolving disputes, supporting documentation, and strengthening partnerships with key authorities, we promote sustainable housing, secure livelihoods, and long-term development.
Gender and Women Empowerment
We empower Malaiyaha women by building district-level federations, promoting grassroots leadership, and advocating for gender justice. Through capacity building, safe spaces, and policy engagement, we address discrimination, gender-based violence, and promote inclusive decision-making.
Youth and Environment
We engage Malaiyaha youth in environmental protection and community development by building leadership, promoting climate awareness, and encouraging sustainable practices for a just and resilient future.
Peace and Reconciliation
VOPP promotes peace and reconciliation by fostering interethnic harmony among the Malaiyaha community and other ethnic groups. The organization creates inclusive spaces for dialogue, healing, and mutual understanding while addressing historical injustices. At the same time, VOPP raises its voice for global peace, advocating against war and violence, and standing in solidarity with communities affected by conflict around the world.
Education and Empowerment
VOPP promotes higher education for the marginalized Malaiyaha community by improving access, strengthening Tamil-medium schools, supporting teacher recruitment, and addressing barriers like menstrual health to ensure inclusive and dignified learning.
- Built trust and credibility as a consistent and visible advocate for the Malaiyaha Tamil community across the Southern and Western Provinces of Sri Lanka.
- Now working directly with 30 estates in Matara, Galle, and Kalutara, with an active grassroots presence of over 1,500 members and 30+ trained volunteers, including youth and women leaders.
- Formed the National Malaiyaha Youth Cohesion Network, connecting youth from Kalutara, Galle, and Matara to promote reconciliation, leadership, and civic participation.
- Engaged directly with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and submitted a formal proposal outlining the urgent needs and demands of the Malaiyaha community.
- Established strong partnerships with government institutions, including District Secretaries (Government Agents) of Galle and Matara, and the Southern Province Governor, to advance rights-based issues.
- Built a network of principals and teachers across Tamil-medium schools in the Southern Province to collaboratively improve education outcomes and access.
- Conducted a comprehensive research study on the social, economic, cultural, and political situation of the Malaiyaha community in the Southern Province and launched the report in Tamil, Sinhala, and English.
- Partnered with ten schools (including one Muslim and nine Tamil schools) to deliver workshops on democracy, reconciliation, civic engagement, and leadership, resulting in greater youth participation and the creation of the Matara Declaration.
- Advocated successfully for a government gazette notification (June 2024) for the recruitment of Tamil-speaking teachers.
- Addressed educational barriers through RTI applications, student-led campaigns, and menstrual hygiene initiatives to improve attendance and dignity for girls.
- Overcame initial resistance from some school leaders and built lasting partnerships with Tamil-medium educators in the region.
- Facilitated multi-ethnic public dialogues and rallies, engaging religious leaders, civil society organizations, and government officials, and submitted a formal petition to the Governor of Southern Province.
- Launched media and outreach collaborations with Prathiba Media Network to amplify community voices and drive public awareness.
- Organized cultural, interfaith, and sports events with over 150 participants from Tamil, Sinhala, and Muslim communities, fostering social harmony and inclusion.
- Created intergenerational learning and reconciliation spaces through team-building activities that engaged youth, women, and elders.
- Formed thematic working groups on Peace and Democracy to support grassroots strategy development for reconciliation and civic leadership.
- Highlighted the historical injustices and systemic discrimination faced by the Malaiyaha Tamil people in the Southern region through advocacy and public engagement.
- Strengthened youth activism, leading to collective actions such as writing to the Education Department and participating in policy discussions.
- Supported community members in visiting government offices to inquire directly about land deeds, social services, and housing rights.
- Strengthened national and local advocacy efforts by building strategic alliances with:
- MPPLR, PARL, Ethnic Identity Movement, National Language Movement, Christian Women’s Networks, All Ceylon Workers’ Societies Alliance, CSOs Collective for Democracy.
- LST, MONLAR, Stand Up Movement, Dabindu Collective, IPEn, Uva Shakthi Foundation, HNRDF, Chellvanayakam Memorial Trust, Colombo Urban Lab, Brothers Wood, RED Katunayaka.
- Successfully implemented and collaborated on projects with:
- Freedom House, Colombo Urban Lab, BCS, IDEA (USAID), SDJF (U.S. Embassy), UNOPS, UNFPA, Alliance Development Trust, Embassy of Japan, Australian High Commission, Neelan Thiruchelvam Trust, and AJWS.
- Inconsistent and limited funding hampers the ability to sustain ongoing programs and scale up emerging initiatives.
- Irregular payment of staff salaries affects morale, retention, and organizational efficiency.
- Lack of resources for digital communication and outreach limits broader engagement, visibility, and youth involvement.
- Limited logistical and technical support restricts outreach to remote estates and underserved regions.
- Monitoring and pressure from certain state authorities, including the CID, create an environment of uncertainty, particularly when engaging in rights-based advocacy or mobilizing communities for social justice.
To strengthen its mission and deepen impact, VOPP welcomes collaboration and support from individuals, civil society organizations, donor agencies, and institutions aligned with its values of justice, dignity, and inclusion.
With additional financial and strategic support, VOPP aims to:
- Retain and fairly compensate skilled staff, ensuring the continuity and quality of its programs.
- Sustain and expand initiatives in advocacy, education, leadership, women’s empowerment, and inter-ethnic solidarity.
- Strengthen community structures and extend outreach to isolated Malaiyaha communities in both Southern and Western Provinces.
- Enhance digital engagement to amplify voices, share stories, and mobilize national and international solidarity.