The Malaiyaha 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 this community resides in the Matara, Galle, and Kaluthara districts, where they endure the hardships of being a minority in the Southern and Western Provinces.

Based on this situation prompted the establishment of the Plantation Child Development Organization (PLACDO) in 2000, founded by Anthony Jesudasan with the support of Anton Wanaththiya and family members (include Father & Mother), and a team of volunteers. The organization’s initial focus was on children’s rights, and during its early years, PLACDO formed children’s societies such as the Kekulu Lama Samajaya in Diyadawa. This society was registered at the Divisional Secretariat (DS) office in Kotapola, and the organization also organized World Children’s Day programs on the estate.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding and security, PLACDO’s operations were limited, and its volunteers sought employment elsewhere. Despite these challenges, the team remained committed to serving the plantation communities, particularly those displaced by the devastating landslides and floods in 2003. One major issue that emerged was the absence of legal documents for the land allocated to the affected families in 2004 and 2005.

To address land rights, education, and fundamental rights, the PLACDO team rebranded the organization in 2019, renaming it the Voice of the Plantation People Organization (VOPP). VOPP officially launched its efforts, making its name public on May Day 2021, with the theme “Listen to the Southern Province Plantation People.”

Since its reformation, VOPP has actively engaged in various initiatives, including the establishment of a library in Diyadawa in 2021, capacity-building workshops, and the formation of the District Women’s Federation. The organization has also conducted training on human rights, land rights, and health, distributed dry rations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and raised awareness about the issues faced by plantation communities in the Southern Province.

In February 2023, VOPP was officially registered under the Company Act No. 7 of 2007. In March, VOPP celebrated International Women’s Day by engaging with government officials to address women’s concerns. Furthermore, in July-August 2023, VOPP supported (as an organizing committee member) a walk from Thalai Mannar to Matale to commemorate 200 years of Malaiyaha Tamils and advocate for their rights. These ongoing efforts reflect VOPP’s commitment to advancing the rights of the Malaiyaha People.

In addition to its advocacy work, VOPP conducted a study on land distribution in the plantation estates, focusing on individuals who received land from 1993 to 2018. The organization also organized a national roundtable discussion in Galle and Matara, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Land, the President’s Public Relations Office, the Land Commission, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the Malaiyaha community.

In June 2024, VOPP organized a public rally with the Governor and officials from the Southern Province, along with CSOs and members of the Malaiyaha community. During this event, the Malaiyaha People’s proposals were handed over to the authorities. Additionally, VOPP facilitated peace and reconciliation programs among representatives from the Sinhala, Muslim, and Malaiyaha communities. VOPP also conducted a democracy workshop for Malaiyaha school students in Matara and Galle districts, furthering their efforts to engage the younger generation in the political process.

On January 16, 2025, VOPP met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to discuss land, housing, education, and other basic rights of the Western and Southern Malaiyaha communities. On February 3, 2025, VOPP organized a town hall discussion among the District Secretary in the Kalutara District, government officials, CSOs, religious leaders, and the Malaiyaha community in Kalutara to address issues related to land, housing, education, and basic rights.

These ongoing actions reflect VOPP’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives and securing the rights of the Malaiyaha People.