The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) convened a National Consultation on Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Malaiyaha Tamil Community on 17 June 2026 at Hotel Mandarina, Colombo 03. The consultation was held under the patronage of Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya, Chairperson of the HRCSL.

The consultation brought together members of the Malaiyaha Tamil community, including academics, professionals, community leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations, together with Commissioners and officers of the HRCSL. The primary objective of the consultation was to formulate policy-level recommendations and advise the Government on developing sustainable and inclusive policies to ensure the realization and protection of the rights of the Malaiyaha Tamil community.

The event provided an opportunity to present key findings from recent HRCSL fact-finding missions conducted in the Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura Districts, which highlighted continuing human rights challenges faced by the community. Participants engaged in constructive discussions on practical measures to strengthen the protection and promotion of their rights and explored avenues for coordinated action among relevant stakeholders.

Deliberations focused on a broad range of issues affecting the community, including land and housing, labour rights and standards, quality education, healthcare, and the responsibilities of public authorities in ensuring equal access to rights and essential services.

Participants noted persistent gaps in the implementation of policies, action plans, and declarations introduced by successive governments to improve the welfare and socio-economic conditions of the Malaiyaha Tamil community. Despite the existence of various initiatives, inadequate implementation has hindered meaningful progress, resulting in the continued marginalization of the community and the ongoing need to claim and safeguard their rights.

The consultation further emphasized the need to expand vocational training and skills development opportunities for young people, address challenges related to menstrual health and period poverty among women and girls, and enhance access to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The consultation contributed to the development of a coordinated and action-oriented roadmap aimed at addressing the concerns and policy priorities identified by the community. The outcomes of the consultation will support the HRCSL’s continuing efforts to promote equality, inclusion, and the full realization of the rights of the Malaiyaha Tamil community