The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents and allegations affecting plantation workers, particularly the Malayaha Tamil community, in several Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs). The Commission emphasizes that plantation workers and their families are citizens of Sri Lanka and are equally entitled to constitutional protection, dignity, equality and the enjoyment of their human rights.

Based on complaints, media reports and information received from civil society organizations, the HRCSL has identified allegations of intimidation and threats, harassment, destruction of home gardens and small-scale cultivations, restrictions on access to land and water resources, pressure to vacate homes or estate lands, discriminatory treatment and actions adversely affecting women, children and elderly persons. Concerns have also been raised regarding the alleged use of criminal complaints against workers who raise concerns about labour and human rights violations.

The Commission is particularly concerned that such incidents appear to have increased following the Ditwah Cyclone, when plantation communities were already facing heightened economic and social vulnerabilities. The destruction of home gardens and livelihood resources directly affects the food security, income and standard of living of plantation families.

The HRCSL stresses that all disputes relating to estate administration, housing, land use and labour matters must be resolved through lawful, transparent, impartial and humane procedures, without intimidation, discrimination or coercion. Employers and estate management authorities have a responsibility to respect human rights, labour rights and the rule of law.

Key Recommendations

1. Prompt and impartial inquiries: The Ministry of Plantation Industries should direct RPCs to conduct transparent and impartial inquiries into allegations of intimidation, harassment, abuse and other violations by estate management, supervisory and security personnel.
2. Effective grievance mechanisms: RPCs should establish accessible, confidential and effective complaint mechanisms for plantation workers, ensuring non-retaliation, timely investigation and appropriate redress.
3. Strengthened labour monitoring: The Ministry of Labour should strengthen labour inspections, monitoring and oversight within plantation estates to prevent labour rights violations, intimidation and unsafe or unsuitable working conditions.
4. Human rights training: RPC management, supervisors and security personnel should receive regular training on human rights, labour rights, equality, non-discrimination and the dignified treatment of plantation workers and communities.
5. Protection of livelihoods: The Ministry of Plantation Industries and RPCs should ensure that plantation families are able to maintain home gardens and small-scale livelihood activities necessary for food security and a dignified standard of living.
6. Effective police investigations: The Sri Lanka Police should conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigations into allegations of threats, violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other violations, and take legal action against persons found responsible.

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HRCSL letter to Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure