Features
“I have only one agenda: emancipating my people” says Jeevan Thondaman
By Saman Indrajith
Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) leader and Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman, plans to bring the grievances of his community before Global Union Federation Public Services International in Geneva and other international fora, such as the World Economic Forum and International Labor Organization, next month, he said.
“I have only one agenda, and that is to see the emancipation of the people of my community. It is saddening to notice that even after 200 years of toiling, shedding sweat, blood, and tears to nurture this nation, a significant portion of the Sri Lankan population does not consider the estate worker community as part of this country.
“Some view this community as Indian, failing to realize that we are Indian origin Tamils. We are not Indians; we are Sri Lankans. We were brought here 200 years ago, yet injustices against upcountry Tamils persist. Presently, we face injustices from the government, companies, and the people, all combined,” Minister Thondaman said in an interview with the Sunday Island on Thursday.
“In Geneva, when Sri Lanka and Tamils are mentioned, the focus is primarily on the North and East. They don’t talk about us. The UN in Geneva is not just a forum for war-affected areas; it addresses injustices worldwide. It is a platform where we can shed light on the sad reality that our people continue to face neglect and injustice, along with exploitation and many other injustices.
“If the global stage becomes aware of the situation of upcountry workers, the private sector here may be compelled to take meaningful action to end exploitation. Our intention in going to Geneva is not to undermine companies or disrupt revenues. Whenever estate unions resort to strikes or any other actions, we are advised not to do anything that would harm the economy. While we understand the need to protect the country’s interests, it cannot come at the expense of the 1.5 million people who are consistently neglected,” the minister said.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: UNHRC sessions in Geneva are currently in progress, and the place seems to be becoming increasingly hostile to Sri Lankan interests. How do you justify your mission to address these issues?
A: We are not going to the UNHRC. I am attending the PSI (Public Service International) Labour Conference and meeting with other stakeholders in Geneva, such as the World Economic Forum, ILO, and other unions.
I disagree with your characterization of Geneva as a hostile territory for the Sri Lankan government. In my view, it is the epicenter of geopolitics. It’s important to recognize that a war did take place in this country, whether we accept it or not. Regardless of one’s status—be it a soldier, a terrorist, or a separatist—lives were lost on both sides.
In a war, there are no winners or losers. Thus, our first duty is to acknowledge the lives lost. We have made significant progress in terms of reconciliation and establishing the Truth and Reconciliation mechanism. The UNHRC should acknowledge the efforts of the current government in this regard. We cannot be held responsible for the actions of previous governments, as this is a coalition government formed with the support of parliamentarians from various parties.
We have completed about 19 or 20% of the resolutions that were set in 2015 in relation to the Sri Lanka’s course of action. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is making great strides in terms of reconciliation and also with the truth and reconciliation mechanism that is coming in. The UNHRC will need to recognize that this government cannot answer for actions of previous governments.
This as you are aware is a coalition government. It is a national government for all of us. Ranil Wickremesinghe when became the President was the only member in parliament from the UNP. He was supported by parliamentarians across the board. It was a secret vote. So how can you say it’s only SLPP that made him President? Are you telling me nobody from SJB voted for him? Nobody from TNA voted for him?
Alliances were broken and new alliances were formed. I am fairly confident that it was not only the SLPP that voted for him. Some who had voted joined the government while some others did not do so because of the political offices they hold but they’ll eventually come and join.
The UNHRC has to recognize the efforts made by the current President in terms of reconciliation. Though he has the intention of reconciliation he needs the support of all to put it into action. I do not think anybody wants to divide Sri Lanka. Everyone wants to unite it. Unfortunately, there are certain politicians with ideologies to create tensions so that their political interests would be protected. But the truth of the matter is that Geneva should recognize the efforts made by the government towards reconciliation. We have not completed reconciliation but are on the pathway to reconciliation.
Q: What issues are you planning to highlight?
A: Our primary concern is the exploitation of the tea estate worker community. If this continues, this community will be completely destroyed. Each worker is entitled to a 1,000-rupee daily wage, which is equivalent to $3.50. Companies pay this amount only if a worker plucks 20 kilos of tea. They are unwilling to pay more, arguing that they cannot sustain higher wages. However, what’s the point of the company surviving if these people are going to suffer? My goal is to bring this issue to light, not just for the government but also for the private sector and the public to recognize their responsibility toward this community.
Regarding government support, there has historically been a meager annual budget allocation of three billion rupees for this community, which has been deprived of its civic rights for 30 years. We need more comprehensive solutions than just building occasional houses. We must provide these people with the means to sustain their lives. Our main objective in going to Geneva is to ensure that the international community sees this injustice. Our community is an integral part of Sri Lanka, and we seek recognition and respect for the significant contributions we’ve made to the nation’s development.
At a government level we are facing that backlash while on the company level we are facing exploitation. Company owners in Colombo or their CEOs do not know when they say that minimum wage is paid to every worker who plucks 20 or 30 kilos. For example, a CEO would tell the manager that his target is to deliver 20,000 kilos this month. Then the manager’s job is to achieve that target. How does the manager achieve that target? He would squeeze the workers to the last drop of blood and sweat to get that 20,000 kilos.
The workers are provided houses to live as long as they work. There are many instances family members of workers losing their houses where they had lived for over 20 years because the company takes those houses back because the house is property belonging to the company. The manager of the company has the power to throw out the family after its breadwinner worker reaches the age of 60 years. The company’s position is that if you are not fit enough to work for my company, you are not fit enough to stay in the estate you are born.
There had been many discussions on this matter. Even many agreements had been signed since the days of late Ranasinghe Premadasa to change this situation. I believe there are more than 400 agreements. However, the problem persists. There are instances where the estate workers would not be permitted to build a toilet for his house by companies. What kind of inhumane treatment is this?
My view is not to bash the companies but to make them understand that only if the industry survives, they will survive. For that they must treat workers with respect and dignity. There were around 535,000 workers about 20 years ago. Today this number comes down to 135,000. Around 400,000 workers have left tea estate work and gone into daily work in farming or to work as domestic help or as unskilled migrant workers. They do so because they are getting a fair wage, dignity and self-respect.
In tea estates they are treated like slaves. While the CEOs of the plantation companies are some of the richest CEOs in the country, the workers are fighting to get a one dollar increase in their wages. The companies are making profits but workers are not benefiting. An average worker is supposed to pluck 20 kilos of tea leaves a day to be entitled for the Rs 1,000 wage. Let’s say that worker brings 23 kilos. Then the manager would cut off one kilo for moisture if there were rains on the previous day and two kilos for the weight of the basket which has been given to the worker by none other than the company itself. The basket actually weighs only 400 or 500 grams. If there is a factory shortage another kilo is cut off. Finally, the worker has only 19 kilos and is not entitled for the full daily wage. All these reasons for cutting off are beyond the control of the worker. However, all those amounts cut off go into the final product.
In the meantime, when we speak of injustice, they peddle a narrative of convenience. They say the Thondaman family has been in power for so many years, nothing has happened for the workers. Our people do not fall for these lies. They know us and that is why they vote for us.
Q: How do you view India’s role in this regard?
A: The migration from India began in 1823 due to famine instigated by the British. They brought Indians, particularly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as cheap labor to work in various sectors. Since then, our community has experienced exploitation and suffering. India has always been concerned about our community’s welfare and has made efforts, such as the Sirima-Shastri pact in 1964. However, India should work in collaboration with the Sri Lankan government to help our community, recognizing that we are of Indian origin but are also Sri Lankan citizens.
Since 1823 the British brought down Indians here as cheap labour from Rameshwaram or Dhanushkody to Talaimannar by ship and from there onwards made them to walk to Matale Mutumari Amman Temple which was used as a transit point to separate and assign Indians to estates at various places. Since then it is story of agony, exploitation, abuse and misery.
Then we had the JVP emergencies and war. Though we did not take part in any of them we still suffered collateral damage. Owing to this plight of people of Indian origin India always has concerns about our community.
Q: The CWC is accused of supporting whatever government is in power.
A: To effectively help our community, we need political strength. People question why we often switch parties. We represent a significant community with over 1.5 million members who lack access to quality education, healthcare, roads, and housing. We cannot afford to sit in opposition and oppose everything a government does. We cooperate with whichever president who is in office. The CWC is the leading party in the upcountry, and we have the support of our community. Our focus is on achieving social progress, which requires equity rather than mere equality. Our aim is not to divide but to unite Sri Lanka. We want recognition for the historical injustices our community has endured.
Q: People complain about water tariff increases.
A: As the Minister of Water Supply and Estate Housing, we understand the concerns about the water tariff hike. We designed it to minimize the impact on the poor. By December, we plan to introduce a comprehensive cost-reflective or cost-recovery formula, effective from January 1. We believe this will streamline the water sector and gain public satisfaction. We inherited a ministry with various issues, including financial mismanagement and political appointments. Our goal is to bring about a tariff that aligns with the cost of providing water services, and we are working on this with organizations like the ADB and the Ministry of Finance.
Q: How do you describe the current political situation?
A: In my view, the current president has taken significant steps to stabilize the country both financially and politically. He has managed to obtain support of MPs from many parties, demonstrating his commitment to reconciliation and financial sustainability. Consistency has been lacking in Sri Lanka, with each government reversing the reforms of the previous one. The president’s steadfastness and integrity, despite losing elections, are admirable. Sri Lanka’s future depends on maintaining this course of action, ensuring stability and progress.
Richard Gere, known to be a meditator and friend of the Dalai Lama, stunned the Hollywood audience that gathered to see him receive a lifetime achievement award recently. He began his address with the usual platitudes and then switched to the country that he said was in a mess. He blamed the US voters who brought Donald Trump in as Prez. And then he called Trump ‘bully and thug’. They are strong words, repeated to make sure his opinion got through.
Another actor, Alec Baldwin, donned an orange hair wig and acted in skits of Trump in the Oval Office and while electioneering. Hilarious and yet of import as it displays the extent to which Trump is derided and openly abused in his own country. Tweets came streaming in from Trump that the actors are old, spent forces, etc. But the public heard and saw the opinion of two very popular and respected actors.
To Cassandra, the disgraceful display of feuding between Elon Musk and Donald Trump made public on X, is the best thing that could have happened to America and the world at large. They are both acting child-like (an insult to children to class these two with them) while displaying their ignorance except about money. The latest as Cass pens this is that Musk has apologised for some of the tweets he sent maligning Trump.
Pro-Palestinian Activists pushed out of Israel
Conveying a symbolic amount of emergency supplies, pro-Palestinian activists from France, Sweden, Brazil. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, calling themselves the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, sailed to Israel in their barge the Madleen to protest against what Israel is doing to the few people left in Gaza – shelling them day and night and determined to chase them all out of the Strip. But the protestors’ visit was short; they were not allowed to dock or land, rather was the aid boat seized by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean on Monday. Thunberg and twelve others were deported from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion airport to France, the following day. However, six French activists refused to sign their deportation orders and would be brought before an Israeli judicial authority and probably transferred to Ramle Prison, near Tel Aviv.
Such a brave onslaught on Israel in person should be highly acclaimed. Protests occur all over the world, but Netanyahu and the Israel Armey Commander seem not to take notice. As long as the US under Trump supports Israel, the Palestinian bid for freedom to occupy their land in Gaza
Local shark caught in the corruption net
Bureaucrats are being netted in; not only politicians. We have seen the highest in the prison’s department remanded. True, it may not be he who released a prisoner surreptitiously when on the last Vesak Poya, prisoners were pardoned and released. But he signed the papers and so is ultimately responsible.
A member of a former ruling family has been questioned on how come he claimed damages for the destruction of a house of his by the Aragalaya thugs. The question is how a non est house, maybe one dreamed up, came to be claimed as one gutted. The money, of course in millions, seems to have been paid to this elder Rajapaksa brother. Now, he is being questioned and one firmly hopes the money received by the foulest means will be paid back to the country’s till. Cass for one is shocked beyond words and belief at the lies and dastardly subterfuges thought up by these self-seeking minds, and the greed for more and more lucre. The immunity they conferred on themselves being a family that could not be touched by the arm of law and thus the carte blanche they enjoyed to do as they pleased AND with the nation’s money, seems to be ended. It looks to be.
Two local women: one celebrated, the other mourned
Iranganie Meedeniya Serasinghe
, well beloved by all Sri Lankans, celebrated her 98 birthday recently. We wish her very well and hope she can go through the rest of her life with minimum pain and illness. One fact that can be said about her is that she gained in facial beauty as she aged.
She is considered an iconic artiste who was a pioneering figure in theatre, the local silver screen and small screen. She did not just take to acting, she imbibed the art and craft of it at the well-known (probably the world’s best) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. She also studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School under the mentorship of Prof EFC Ludowyk, a founder of Sri Lankan theatre.
My brother hired her ex-Ayah to look after his son, so this dame was ever fond of regaling us with stories of her beloved Chandi Appo (the child Iranganie). She was born in the Meedeniya Walauwa very close to Yatiyantota and schooled at Bishop’s College, Colombo, and for her ALs at Girls’ High School, Kandy. This exam was known as the Higher School Certificate Exam (HSC) – entrance exam to the University of Colombo or Peradeniya. It was actually at KHS that she went into theatre acting. Well remembered by Cass as a younger student is Mrs de Mel producing Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, forerunner to My Fair Lady. Producing and staging Pygmalion was certainly a hazardous task, but probably intrepid Mrs de Mel thought she had a star player to tackle the role of Professor Higgins. Iranganie was him and Rani Perera was Eliza Doolittle, fluently speaking Cockney and then metamorphosing to a near princess.
Iranganie was first in theatre but then, as good fortune would have it, Lester James Peries scripted and directed Rekawa (Line of Destiny) in 1956. It was the first Sinhala film fully shot in Ceylon and outdoors, eliminating any Indian influence. Iranganie played a major role while Winston Serasinghe too was in it. Willie Blake was cinematographer. Entered in 1957 to the Cannes Film Festival, it was included in the main competition and was nominated for the Palme d’Or; honour enough and is still the only Sinhala film honoured thus far.
Iranganie outsmarted traditional conventions, especially Kandyan radala conservatism, by going into films. Remembered best by Cass is her role in Yashorawaya where she played self-sacrificing mother to Richard de Zoysa.
She also founded Ruk Rekaganno, and went about trying to prevent the wanton cutting down of trees. Cass’ second brother was in the movement. Once on a journey out of Colombo. Iranganie had wanted a cup of tea. Only wayside tea kiosks were available. All four were willing to patronise one of them. The boutique keeper was nonchalant and even wary of these city types until his wife recognised Iranganie. “Aney appé,” she shouted and out came levariya and tea in cups and saucers!
Malini Pethiyagoda Kulatunge
passed away in Australia a couple of days ago. Mention is made here since she was the first woman to pass the newly instituted CAS examination for recruitment of Ceylon Administrative Services officers which replaced the Ceylon Civil Service, started by the British under their colonial rule. This first exam was in 1971. Malini, too, had her education at Girls’ High School from where she entered the University of Peradeniya. Malini, sister of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda, migrated soon after to Australia with her young family.
What have we to look forward to next week? A Colombo Municipal Council formed, with hopefully Vraie Cally Balthazaar, graduate, researcher, entrepreneur and media professional of the bright sparkling face, as Mayor?
At least we hear fumigation going on. We also hope mosquito breeding places are being eliminated. Fast spreading dread diseases have to be stalled. It’s the duty of the local councils of the country, and if extra care is taken, we could live safe and healthy.
I first met Professor Arjuna de Silva as his patient. I was immediately impressed by this consultant physician, especially by his considerable knowledge, remarkable efficiency and commitment. I also remember thinking that he was a bit arrogant, even bordering on the rude. He was just being matter-of-fact, strictly focused on diagnosis, prognosis and prescription. In the 25 years that have passed since then, I have had ample reason to conclude that behind the confident and sometimes stern exterior that I first encountered, there was a sensitive, intelligent, and scrupulously honest friend just waiting to be discovered.
Over the years this no-nonsense physician, affectionately known as Prof. Arjuna, became one of my closest and dearest friends. His selfless service to our circle, especially his steadfast care for our parents, is nothing short of heroic. The dedication with which he looked after my own parents, particularly my late father, speaks volumes about his loyalty and kindness. In fact, if there was an Olympic medal for “Friendship and Care,” Arjuna would be standing proudly on the podium, gold medal and a bouquet of roses, probably delivering an acceptance speech explaining why he deserves it more than anyone else!
We became firm friends and eventually our brotherhood would include a third, Johann Wijesinghe. The three of us shared a bond tested in the toughest of times. When Johann fell seriously ill, Arjuna stepped up not just as a friend but as a guiding light. Emotionally shaken though he was, Arjuna managed to steer Johann and his wife Kalpana through complex medical treatments while keeping the rest of us, who were understandably anxious, calm and hopeful. Watching him juggle this immense responsibility without panicking was nothing short of inspiring. It was only when Johann passed away that I was able to see him with his guard down; I had never seen Arjuna so deeply shaken before.
His sobriety in his professional life was quite in contrast to how he was when he put aside his ‘doctoring.’ It is no exaggeration to say that I have never met any medical professional who parties like Arjuna does. Arjuna and his wife Thulani are the ultimate hosts; they are supreme when it comes to hospitality and entertainment. Arjuna loves company and celebrations so much that I often joke that if there is a lot of light and music Arjuna would be there or should be. He wouldn’t miss these things if he could help it.
An Oxford-qualified professor, Arjuna’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. His contributions to sports, both specific disciplines and the broader sporting community, cannot be matched by any doctor I know. A proud Thomian, he embodies grit, determination, and just the right touch of flair that has earned him the affectionate nickname “Dr. Shahrukh Khan.” And yes, he encourages it with that charming smile and a mischievous wink.
Arjuna isn’t one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but as a very close friend, I can vouch for his sensitivity and sometimes even a need for attention. Those close to him know he has his weaknesses, for example his legendary reluctance to forgive easily. Arjuna remembers both the good and the bad. For all this, he is the first person many would call in a medical emergency, knowing he will be there without hesitation. I will never forget how he visited my father almost every single day when he became critically ill.
Above all, Arjuna is a proud and loyal Sri Lankan, a true patriot in every sense.
My dear friend Arjuna knows how sorry I am that I cannot be with him tonight as he celebrates the milestone of reaching 60. However, as we have joked and agreed, his party would be better without me for I share his weakness to be unforgiving at times. He will have a blast, nevertheless, for Arjuna is irrepressible. He will take note and smile when I wish him a wonderful time. It will be a blast, as always and Arjuna will enjoy every moment and raise a cheer with those present with a nod to those who, like me, are not there, to many more years of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Happy 60th, Prof. Arjuna!
by Krishantha Prasad Cooray ✍️
This is about the children of Kytes Island J/Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam and J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam in the northernmost inhabited island of Sri Lanka. They travelled to Colombo and won in the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Regatta Junior (Under 18) section held in the Diyawannawa lake last week.
Delft Maha Vidyalam commenced on 17 January 1946, as one of the first Maha Vidyalayam established by the Father of Free Education, Dr C. W. W. Kannagara, then Education Minister. Declared open by Sir John Kotelawala with five teachers and 23 students; the school has classes from Grade 1 to Grade 13 today. There are 179 students (117 boys and 62 girls), 20 teachers (10 males and 10 females). This is the northernmost Maha Vidyalayam in Sri Lanka. A ferry voyage from the Jaffna mainland to Delft takes about one and a half hours.
Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam is on Kytes island. It has 179 students in classes from Grade 1 to Grade 11, and 19 teachers. It has produced excellent swimmers who won 18 medals in the last Provincial Swimming meet, even though they do not have a swimming pool. They practise in a village pond!
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- J/ Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam
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- Girls category competition
Boys Junior Dragon boat event was won by J/Thambaddy GTMV team consisting of twelve paddlers who pulled their boat in unison with much vigour and morale. They were followed closely by another team from Jaffna Islands (Delft) J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam. During the last stages of the race, there was a close competition between these two teams. The results were as follows:
1. Gold medal – Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna
2. Silver medal- Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna
3. Bronze medal- D S Senanayake College, Colombo
4. St Patrick’s College, Jaffna
5. Wesley College, Colombo
6. Gateway International College, Colombo
7. Wesley College, Colombo, (team 2)
This great achievement by Jaffna Island schools was due to unstinted support and guidance they receive from the Sri Lanka Navy, especially Secretary of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Sri Lanka, Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri, an injured war veteran. This potential international level talent was spotted by him when the Canoeing and Kayaking Association held the National Canoeing and Kayaking Regatta six months ago in the Jaffna lagoon adjacent to the picturesque Jaffna Dutch Fort.
The Chinese Embassy of Sri Lanka and Sports and the Youth Affairs Ministry jointly organised the Regatta at Diyawannawa lake, which was to be held near the Port City. It had to be shifted to the Diyawanna Lake due to rough seas. The Army and Navy Commanders and Director General Sports (Retired senior Naval officer Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando) helped transport the Jaffna teams to Colombo.
Winners with Preethi Perera the former President of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association
The teams were provided with accommodation at the Sports Hostel, Colombo, and the Youth Council Hostel, Maharagama free of charge, and Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando took care of their meals.
Girls from these two Jaffna islands also performed extremely well. They lost to Vishaka College Colombo team, but secured Silver and Bronze medals. The final results of Girls category were as follows:
Gold medal- Vishaka College Colombo.
Silver medal- J/ Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna .
Bronze medal- J/ Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna.
WP/ Jaya/ Janadipathi Balika Vidyalaya, Nawala.
Five fully equipped Dragon Boats donated by China were handed over by Chinese Ambassador in Colombo Qi Zhenhong to the Canoeing and Kayaking Association. Chairman of Canoeing and Kayaking Association, Rear Admiral (SSD) HNS Perera has already decided to keep two boats in Jaffna for the use of the northern children.
Winners with Rear Admiral Damien Fernando (Chief of Staff of Navy) and Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri
Our next step is to train combined Jaffna schools teams (both girls and boys) to take part in the world famous Snake Boat Race in Backwaters of Kerala, India scheduled to be held in September this year. Bravo to these children! Mother Theresa once said, “We can’t do great things – but we can do small things with great love”. Keep paddling children!
(The writer is Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff, Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd., Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and Former High Commissioner to Pakistan.)
by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne ✍️
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc
(Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
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