The issue of land ownership and living conditions has been a longstanding concern, exacerbated by historical policies that deprived many of citizenship rights after Sri Lanka gained independence.
In a significant move aimed at improving living conditions for plantation residents, Sri Lanka’s cabinet has greenlit the drafting of legislation to establish village communities in these areas. The initiative targets regions predominantly inhabited by descendants of former plantation workers.
According to a statement released post-cabinet meeting, President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed the creation of integrated villages by amalgamating existing estate houses and line rooms. Jeevan Thondaman, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, anticipates that approximately 176,000 families will each receive 10 perch blocks of land under the new plan.
The initiative aims to allocate 4,777 hectares of land from the plantations’ total area of 205,000 hectares to provide suitable housing for residents. The proposed villages will encompass areas currently occupied by residents, including temples, schools, and communal spaces.
Historically, the plantation communities, largely descendants of Indian subcontinent migrants brought during the British colonial period, have faced challenges including inadequate housing conditions and land shortages. Despite efforts post-privatization to address housing needs through initiatives like the Plantations Housing Development Trust, many non-workers still reside in cramped line rooms.
The issue of land ownership and living conditions has been a longstanding concern, exacerbated by historical policies that deprived many of citizenship rights after Sri Lanka gained independence. This latest legislative effort marks a renewed attempt to rectify these disparities and improve overall quality of life in plantation areas.
The move comes amid tensions between the ruling class and plantation companies over wage mandates and land ownership, reflecting broader economic and social challenges facing Sri Lanka.
Image: Wikimedia / Telwatta, Sri Lanka, by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada
