On the 31st of July 2024, a significant press conference was held at Caritas SETIK in Kandy, addressing the issues faced by the plantation community. This was organized by the Caritas Sri Lanka ECPP unit under the LLPP (Lighting the Lives of the Plantation People Project) funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the event occurred from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The press conference served as a crucial platform to bring attention to the challenges and issues faced by the plantation workers and to encourage responsible authorities and organizations to take action.
The conference brought together a group of significant participants, including Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis – Bishop of Kandy, Rev. Fr. Luke Nelson Perera – National Director Caritas Sri Lanka SEDEC, Very. Rev. Fr. Michael Rajendram – Director Caritas SED Galle, Rev. Fr. Anthony Jesudasan – Director CODESEP Deniyaya & Caritas SED GALLE, Very. Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando – Director of Caritas Ratnapura Sethmini, Rev. Fr. Newman Peiris – Director of Caritas Kandy SETIK, Rev. Fr. Pradeep Nishantha – Director of Caritas Badulla USCOD, Rev. Fr. Anton – Mathugama Assistant Parish Priest, Mr. Sudesh Rodrigo – Zonal Manager Field Operation, World Vision Lanka and Caritas Sri Lanka ECPP unit staff members. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the need for collective efforts to address the issues and challenges of the plantation workers.
Throughout the conference, a range of issues impacting the plantation community were discussed in detail. The discussions focused on the struggles related to livelihoods, land ownership, and their rights, which continue to affect the daily lives of plantation workers. The participants emphasized the necessity of identifying practical solutions and mobilizing support from both government and non-governmental entities to improve the conditions within the plantation sector.
The press conference had considerable media attention, with representatives from leading media organizations in attendance. Journalists from Lakehouse, Derana, Hiru, Swarnavahini, Sirasa, Divaina, Lankadeepa, Kadurata FM, Siyatha, and Virakesari covered the proceedings, ensuring that the issues raised during the press conference reached a wider audience. Their coverage was important in amplifying the concerns of the plantation community and advocating for meaningful change.
In conclusion, the press conference at Caritas SETIK Kandy marked an important step in addressing the ongoing challenges and Issues faced by the plantation community in Sri Lanka. By bringing together religious leaders, CSO forum members and media personnel, the event successfully highlighted the critical issues that require urgent attention. It is hoped that the awareness and discussions generated during the conference will lead to actionable solutions that improve the lives of people in the plantation sector.
