News
Thondaman alleges PA is in the grip of chartered accountants
“Planters better understand workers problems”
By Sirimantha Ratnasekera
CWC leader and Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman called on the Planter’s Association (PA) to pay government proposed Rs 1,700 daily wage for estate workers without resorting to further dilatory tactics and excuses.
Thondaman in a brief interview with the Sunday Island on Thursday said that the PA must realize that Rs1,700 daily wage was an equitable solution to ease the hardships of estate workers.
“The problem with the PA is that majority of their decision makers are not planters who understand the plight of estate workers. There are more chartered accountants than planters who call the shots. They are not concerned about the human aspect of the plight of estate workers but focused only on keeping exploiting the workers,” Thondaman said.
He said that about 50 years back the tea industry made continuous developments in terms of productivity every year because the industry was managed by the planters. They looked after the workers, the workers looked after the tea and the tea looked after the companies. This operated as a cycle. That cycle no longer seems to be in operation.
“The industry suffered because the then government made a decision to take over the estates from the companies and placed them under the Janata Estates Development Board and the Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation. The JEDB and SLSPC ran into losses and then these estates were given to Regional Plantation Companies which are least concerned about the welfare of workers. Today estate workers cannot even build a toilet without getting approval of these companies.
“Since reaching a collective agreement, the estate workers’ payments were increased every two years. For the past four years this increment was not given. The government had many rounds of talks with these companies which keep on insisting that they are running at a loss.
“First we proposed the daily wage should be increased to Rs 1,200. They did not agree. We had talks after talks for one year. The RPCs kept dragging it so that they could continue to exploit the workers. After all these talks and Wages Board approval, the government issued the gazette stipulating the daily wage at Rs 1,700.
Now the RPCs say that they can pay Rs 1,200. The industry and workers will continue to suffer as long as the PA is in the grip of accountants. This association should be made of planters instead,” Thondaman said.
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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