Lifeline for tea plantation workers

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The tea plantation workers have been denied their basic rights for a long time inspite of their contribution to the country’s economy. There was a time when it was only this community that kept the country running. The root of the problem is that we in Sri Lanka, do not know who we should be grateful to and why. The lack of knowledge and awareness when it comes to the history of this community is poor. However, their prayers have been answered. The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation in partnership with the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development and the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) proudly introduces ‘SLIC JeevanaShakthi’ – an innovative life and health insurance programme tailored to Sri Lanka’s tea plantation workers. This specialized insurance programme addresses the distinct needs of this crucial segment.

Our tea plantation workers richly deserve this extraordinary insurance scheme. There is no doubt that this is a groundbreaking initiative. It will safeguard the financial well-being of all those who form the backbone of our vibrant tea industry. These tea plantation workers work so hard day in, day out. This insurance scheme will give them security and protection. They can be called ‘Unsung Heroes’.

CEO, Sri Lanka Insurance, Chandana L. Aluthgama, called the occasion, an auspicious one for Sri Lanka Insurance, and added that the journey is one that has been prolonged for many years.

“This is to recognize the tea plantation community, and to salute them with an insurance cover. Sri Lanka has a rich soil and an abundance of biodiversity. This sector will be the backbone of Sri Lanka and will support its economy. This industry also has the opportunity to go into other sectors like tourism. We are indeed proud, and I consider it an honour and privilege to partner with such an industry, and give back to these workers who tirelessly uplift our economy. Sri Lanka Insurance is a trusted partner for the nation. Today we begin another journey under the concept of ‘Insurance for all’, giving a specialized cover for a community who work tirelessly to uplift the tea plantation sector. This cover will be valuable for them and their families during this time of distress, and this initiative will contribute towards the betterment of our nation,” said CEO Aluthgama.

Chairman of the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), Barath Arullsamy, commenced his address with a quote – “When you prioritize the well- being of others above your own, you cultivate a different kind of strength that carries you through life and beyond.”

“We have gathered here today for the well-being and betterment of the plantation sector workers. There has been a discourse in many forums and arenas as to how we can uplift the plantation workers – their safety and well-being. The PHDT, for 30 years has looked after the well-being of the plantation sector workers. With the support of our Board of Directors, we have been initiating programmes at the PHDT, not only when it comes to housing and infrastructure, but also when it comes to their health, well-being and socio-economic upliftment. I want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Jeevan Thondaman. His sense of duty towards the betterment of this community is remarkable. Under his leadership, the Ministry and the PHDT have engaged in many activities to uplift the plantation sector. I very much appreciate the support and guidance of the Board of Directors. We all know that the workforce has been badly affected by the economic crisis and the pandemic before it. So we had a discussion on how to mitigate these issues. I would also like to invite all the regional plantation companies and multi-stakeholders to be a part of this. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has pointed out that this is the age where multi-stakeholder partnerships should be maintained and initiated,” he said.

Minister of Plantation Industries and Minister of Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana,called the occasion an important juncture when it comes to the Sri Lanka estate sector. He pointed out that Tea, Rubber, Coconut and other export crops bring in vital foreign revenue to the Sri Lankan Government. He added that in 2021, Sri Lanka gained an income of US$ 3.7 billion from tea, rubber, coconut and cinnamon exports. When you take exports of garments, last year we earned 6 billion. Over 150,000 individuals are engaged in tea estate employment. He added that in 2021, we managed to get 1.2 billion from the tea industry.

“We must look after these tea plantation workers. We are duty bound as the Government to provide better care when it comes to their socio-economic situation. They have been working in estates for a long period, for generations. Despite the difficulties these tea plantation workers have to endure, they still continue to support us. If you want to increase productivity, you have to retain the people. We have to come up with new strategies to provide better health care, better housing facilities and better infrastructure. They need to be given a decent salary. We have to uplift this community. Minister Jeevan Thondaman is playing a pivotal role to uplift the lives of the tea plantation workers of this country. I must congratulate him for a job well done. He is a very young, energetic and dedicated minister,” explained Minister Pathirana.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Insurance, Ronald Perera,PC added that for well over 100 years, the workers of the tea plantation sector have been toiling for their daily wage. They have brought in a great amount of wealth to Sri Lanka.

“For over 100 years they have kept us economically feasible, and given us the support to run the country. At one stage they were even forgotten. Today the country has decided to recognize them, and give them the facilities that should have been given a very long time ago. Our slogan is – ‘Like a Father, like a Mother’. We believe that insurance should be for everyone in the country. Today with the Cost of Living and healthcare rising, it is imperative that everyone has an insurance policy. We are giving this insurance policy at a price of Rs. 99 a month to estate employees. This will look after a family of four. This is possible because Sri Lanka Insurance is the number one insurance company in Sri Lanka. This is our corporate responsibility. We are also doing a business where we can contribute to the betterment and development of Sri Lanka. I thank all who are involved here, because they have given Sri Lanka Insurance the drive and impetus to formulate this policy. I am sure that this policy will create more awareness about these estate workers. We had several policies for other sectors. But this one is particularly special, because this is for a group of people who have worked very hard, but who were forgotten. Now we are helping them,” he pointed out.

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman, said that in addition to giving tea plantation workers dignity and self-respect, this insurance will give them independence.

“Most importantly it will give them independence. This initiative will ensure that they do not feel left behind. This will promote an attitude of inclusiveness. I believe that this is our collective responsibility. It is high time we recognize this. And I am saying this to the people of this country. Today there is a significant drop in the labour force. Earlier there were 535,000 workers, today there is less than 150,000. Why is that? Because there is no dignity in the job that they do. They are not leaving the tea estates and going into IT sector jobs. They are leaving the tea estate and going into Agriculture. What is the difference between Agriculture and tea planting? Both are farming. But one is considered lower than the other. So dignity of labour is a must. We need to think how we can give them this dignity. We need to give these workers security. What we need is a transformative change,” pointed out Minister Thondaman.

The Minister also mentioned that the majority of tea estate workers are women. If they work around eight hours on the field, has anyone asked, where do they use the toilet? Where do they sit and eat? These are practical issues that have to be dealt with. We need to give them proper facilities.

“If we can address these issues then it can lead to a transformative change. We are very glad that Sri Lanka Insurance has come on board with us. This insurance scheme is not only for the estate workers. It is open for the staff, the managers and assistance managers of the estate. Those whose lives are within the estate, this is open for them. Because at the end of the day, if the industry does not survive, the workers will not survive. Then we all lose. This is because of the sheer amount of work they do. Today in Sri Lanka, the lack of knowledge and awareness when it comes to the history of this community is poor. We are talking about a community that is backward. But why are they backward? Sri Lanka has still not embraced this community. What they have given to this country, the country has not given back to them. We need to think about this. We have people who criticize Up Country workers saying child labour is common. I would like to respond by saying – Demand is equal to supply. If you do not want child labour, stop hiring child labour. Don’t encourage it,” he explained.

Minister Thondaman concluded by saying that he would like to commend Sri Lanka insurance, because they have displayed true corporate responsibility. “I am sure this will have a ripple effect on all other companies in different fields when it comes to helping others and those in this community. This community has given this country free education and free healthcare. There was a time when it was only this community, the tea industry that kept the country running. The saddest part is that a community that provided free education for this country, is struggling for education right now. I truly feel that this is our collective responsibility.”

Ishara Jayawardane