Business

Right of Response to Caritas Sri Lanka

Published

1 year ago

2025/01/8

We refer to the published studies by Caritas Sri Lanka titled Research Study on the Culture and Identity of the Plantation Community in Sri Lanka and Right to Education of the Children of the Plantation Community.

At the outset, we express our appreciation to the Catholic Bishops Conference and Caritas Sri Lanka for their interest and recommendations aimed at creating an enabling environment for preserving and promoting the culture and identity of plantation communities. We recognize that the recommendations in these publications encompass a wide range of areas, including inclusive development policies, education and awareness programs, cultural preservation funding, legal protection, economic empowerment, and the promotion of culture-based tourism. While we respect the commitment of Caritas to these communities, we believe the data used in their reports should be revisited to reflect today’s on-the-ground realities. Our goal is to offer updated information so that all stakeholders can align on how best to support plantation communities most effectively today.

In that regard, we note that many of the statistics cited in the report are based on research that dates as far back as 2003/2004, failing to account for the significant progress and developments made in plantation communities since then. As the Planters’ Association of Ceylon, which represents the interests of Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) in whose estates reside an estimated 42% of Malaiyaha Tamil community, we are compelled to clarify these points and provide a more accurate representation of the current state of these communities. We also acknowledge that further investment and effort is required from all stakeholders, including the Government in order to drive meaningful progress on the several issues. We caution however, that placing the responsibility solely with plantation companies who are only capable of operating within the constraints of employer-employee relationships fails to hold all other stakeholders accountable for their role and capacity to drive broader progress.

Accordingly, we believe It is important at the outset to address the continuous references of this community as Indian-origin Tamils (IOT). While historically, many have referred to this group as Indian-origin Tamils (IOT), today, they are recognized as Sri Lankan citizens with full political and civic rights. As proud Sri Lankans, it’s vital to celebrate the rich diversity within our nation. The Tamil community, with roots in India, is an essential part of our shared heritage. While the term IOT does hold historical and cultural significance, using it exclusively can overshadow the strides this community has made over many generations to achieve these rights, and establish their own identity as Sri Lankans. The term IOT therefore perpetuates an outdated and exclusionary narrative that risks undermining their rightful inclusion within Sri Lankan society. Now commonly referred to as the Malaiyaha community, they are an integral part of the nation’s socio-economic fabric. With a population of approximately 960,000—20% of whom form a vital, actively contributing workforce – which is increasingly transcending the plantation industry.

Education sector challenges

The assertion that education within plantation communities remains chronically underfunded is misleading. With the nationalization of schools, they were incorporated into the mainstream education system. Over time, the education system has undergone significant advancements, supported by consistent government initiatives. This progress underscores the evolution of schooling facilities and the broader education framework, which now aligns with the national mainstream education standards.Since 1977, when the government assumed responsibility for these schools, there has been a steady expansion, and today 863 schools operate within plantation areas.

In parallel, the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) with the support of Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), have collaborated—often with donor assistance—to establish 1,200 Early Childhood Development Centers (CDCs). These CDCs, staffed by trained professionals, provide not only foundational education for young children but also critical nutritional and developmental support. Through scholarship programs, RPCs have within the means available to them further facilitated opportunities for higher education, with over 100 students from plantation communities entering Government universities each year. With greater support, such positive initiatives could be drastically amplified. While we acknowledge that resource constraints continue to pose challenges, we also wish to give equal and fair emphasis to the tangible gains already achieved. By building on these successes, we aim to ensure that schools serving plantation communities are strengthened, rather than diminished, as Sri Lanka collectively addresses its nationwide education funding needs.

Similarly, health outcomes within RPC-managed plantations have seen vast improvements due to targeted interventions led by RPCs with the support of PHDT. The infant mortality rate, which the publications erroneously state as 60.6%, is now 9.07% under RPC-led estates, aligning closely with national averages. Undernutrition, another cited issue, has also received significant attention, with several targeted programmes having been launched aimed at ensuring comprehensive maternal and child health support to communities within the estates. As a result of these practices, current prevalence of moderate and severe undernutrition stands at 15.57% and 3.9%, respectively, a significant improvement over previous decades.

The studies also portray the housing situation within plantation estates inaccurately. The line rooms, which were historically used for worker accommodation, have been systematically upgraded or replaced under RPC-led initiatives. Over 140,000 housing units have been reroofed, ensuring improved living conditions. In addition, more than 60,000 families now reside in individual/improved housing units with modern facilities. Furthermore, 230,000 individual latrines have been constructed, significantly enhancing sanitation and hygiene within these communities. These ongoing development programs have transformed living conditions, ensuring privacy, sanitation, and dignity for plantation workers and their families. We also note that cultural and identity-related challenges faced by plantation communities are not ignored. RPCs have actively worked to preserve cultural practices while facilitating integration into broader Sri Lankan society. Programs focusing on community engagement, cultural events, and skill development have helped foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. The work carried out by the RPCs with the support of PHDT, trade unions, and government authorities, has been instrumental in driving these advancements. Through this tripartite collaboration, RPCs have achieved measurable progress in improving the quality of life across all facets, including education, healthcare, housing, and economic opportunities.

The Planters’ Association wishes to clarify that the report does not capture the true nature of plantation communities within RPC-managed estates, unfairly painting a negative picture of the entire sector without considering the substantial improvements led by RPCs. This demarcation is necessary to ensure a fair and accurate understanding of the progress made and the ongoing commitment to the welfare of plantation communities.

(The Planters’ Association of Ceylon)

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Business

Mahindra Ideal Motors celebrates gala ‘Excellence Awards’ honouring outstanding performance and innovation

Published

16 hours ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

The Mahindra Ideal Motors Excellence Awards ceremony, a grand celebration to recognize dealers and other stakeholders of Ideal Motors, was held at the Wave n’ Lake Banquet Hall & Restaurant in Welisara recently.

The event was graced by the presence of special guests including Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman Ideal Motors, Dilani Yatawaka, Group Managing Director/CEO Ideal Motors, Nimisha Welgama, Director Legal and Corporate Affairs Ideal Motor, Sachin Arolka, Head International Operations, Auto Division Mahindra & Mahindra India. Senthil Selvaraju, Head International Operations and Customer Service Automotive Division Mahindra & Mahindra India, Sujeeth Jayant, Country Head Mahindra & Mahindra India and Shitam Kundu, Head Domestic Services Mahindra & Mahindra India.

Also, in attendance from Ideal Motors were Kasun Fernando, General Manager Commercial Vehicle Sales Division, Sameera Bamunuarachchi, Deputy General Manager Spare Parts, Logistics & Inventory and Prasanna Manamperi, Deputy General Manager After Seles Service.

Speaking at the event, Nalin Welgama Ideal Motors Founder and Chairman said, “When we began our journey with Mahindra in 2009, the previous company had sold 300 vehicles in the country, of which nearly 150 had various defects. At that time our journey began by engaging with the parent company in India and repairing those vehicles free of charge. That commitment has brought us to where we are today. As we believe, our journey truly begins after the sale. We are dedicated to strengthening our customers, and in doing so, strengthening ourselves. That is how we transformed the after-sales service experience.”

He added, “Our main strength is the Mahindra Bolero, which has sold more than 10,000 units in just two years. In a very short period, we grew from zero to over 100,000 vehicles sold. This is not my victory, but the victory of all of you who contributed to it. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis we faced, this awards ceremony was organized to express our gratitude to all of you who trusted our institution and stood by us. Let us continue our victorious journey together.”

Dilani Yatawaka, Group Managing Director Ideal Motors, said: “Today is a very happy day for us. This is the first time in history of the organisation, that representatives of our vehicles, spare parts, services, and financial institutions are meeting together under one roof.”

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Arolka, Head International Operations, Auto Division Mahindra & Mahindra India, stated that Ideal Motors in Sri Lanka is one of the largest seller of Mahindra vehicles in Asia.

More than 300 dealers and finance partners participated in the event which concluded with dinner, fellowship and entertainment.

Business

Police engagement supports wildlife protection in hill country

Published

16 hours ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

Strengthening conservation through active law enforcement

An awareness and capacity-building program on wildlife crime prevention, with a special focus on the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), was successfully conducted on March 20 at the Dimbula Athletics & Cricket Club, Radella.

The session was organized under the ongoing Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project implemented by the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), in collaboration with LOLC. It brought together senior officers representing 28 Police stations across the Nuwara Eliya and Kandy districts, underscoring the growing importance of law enforcement in conservation efforts within multi-use landscapes, a WNPS news release said.

The Central Highlands present a unique conservation challenge, where increasing habitat loss and fragmentation, depletion of natural prey, and use of snares continue to threaten leopards inhabiting these landscapes majority outside formally protected areas. The session therefore focused on strengthening the capacity of Police officers to identify, prevent, and respond to wildlife crimes, while fostering closer coordination with conservation stakeholders, it explained.

Co-Chair of the Wildcats Subcommittee, Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, highlighted the ecological and economic significance of leopards as apex predators, emphasizing their role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting nature-based tourism. She also outlined the current conservation challenges in the Hill Country and presented ongoing interventions under the WNPS–LOLC project.

Dr. Sanjaya Weerakody, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared key research findings on leopard mortality trends over the past 17 years revealing concerning patterns, including the disproportionate loss of mature male individuals and the increasing prevalence of snaring as a primary cause of death highlighting an urgent need for targeted enforcement.

Attorney – at – Law Charaka Jayaratne provided an in-depth overview of the legal provisions under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, with particular attention to offences related to snaring. He discussed how Police can take more proactive and effective action, identifying gaps in current approaches and suggesting practical measures to strengthen enforcement outcomes.

Adding further perspective, Samantha Gunasekara, former Deputy Director of Customs and Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), spoke on the broader context of illegal wildlife trade in Sri Lanka. Drawing from past cases and recent observations, he highlighted emerging trends and risks associated with wildlife trafficking.

Representing the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ranger Srinath Dissanayake of the Hakgala Wildlife Range shared recent cases on leopard deaths and rescue operations recorded in 2025. He emphasized on personal observations, importance of timely intervention, and strong collaboration between field officers and the Police to mitigate human–wildlife conflict and prevent avoidable losses.

An interactive discussion followed, allowing officers to raise questions, clarify procedures, and exchange experiences while sharing their feedback as well. This dialogue contributed to reinforcing the value of strategic engagement between the Police, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and conservation partners while strengthening inter-agency understanding and highlighting the need for coordinated responses during leopard-related incidents.

The session commenced with opening remarks by WNPS President Graham Marshall, who expressed appreciation for the participation of the Sri Lanka Police and reiterated the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding biodiversity beyond protected areas.

WNPS Past President and WNPS LOLC Project Head Spencer Manuelpillai, Project Coordinator Gihani Hettiarachchi, Regional Center Coordinators, Thilanka Dissanayake and Attorney-at-Law Malaka Palliyaguruge were also present as part of the WNPS team.

WNPS extends its sincere appreciation to all officers who participated for their commitment and active engagement. Supported by LOLC, these initiatives form part of a broader effort to strengthen practical conservation through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and effective enforcement in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Business

Mangala Tex marks expansion with new Kurunegala Branch

Published

16 hours ago

2026/03/29

Thilina Walpola

Fashion retail leader Mangala Tex celebrated the grand opening of its newest branch in Kurunegala on Saturday, March 14, 2026, adding a vibrant new dimension to the city’s commercial landscape.

Since its inception, Mangala Tex has been synonymous with style, durability, and quality, earning a lasting reputation as a premier clothing retailer. Guided by the visionary leadership of Chairman Ronald Nimal Hope, the brand has successfully established a strong presence with thriving outlets in Yatinuwara Veediya, Kandy, Cross Street, Kandy, and Peradeniya, Kandy.

The Kurunegala expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth, bringing its signature fashion offerings closer to a wider customer base. True to its slogan, “Let Your Clothing Do The Talking,” the new store features an extensive range of apparel catering to all age groups, blending contemporary style with durable, high-quality fabrics.

Shoppers at the Kurunegala branch are greeted by a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, which long-time customers cite as key reasons for their loyalty. The store’s combination of trendy designs, reliable quality, and customer-centric service continues to set it apart in Sri Lanka’s competitive fashion retail sector.

Mangala Tex now employs more than 120 staff members across its branches, remaining a proudly family-driven enterprise alongside Managing Director Pahan Dissanayaka and Directress M M G P Dissanayaka.

With the official opening in Kurunegala, Mangala Tex demonstrates that consistent quality, style, and service can drive sustained growth, expanding the brand’s reach to new communities while reinforcing its status as a trusted name in Sri Lankan fashion.

Text and Pix by SK Samaranayake