USAID Mission Team Conducts Data Quality Assessment with Malayaga Tamil Community Representatives in Kandy Estates

On November 5, 2024, the USAID mission team, including the AOR and MEL Specialist, visited Loolecondra Estate and Great Valley Estate in Kandy District for a data quality assessment. The session was attended by 70 participants, including 32 members from the Saving & Credit Co-operative Society and 38 from the Any Challenge Youth Club. These participants represented youth, women, estate workers, and community representatives. The session aimed to review and enhance project interventions under the CCCDG Activity, with a focus on rights advocacy for the Malayaga Tamil community.
This significant intervention is part of the Civil Society Impact Grant by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Collectives for Democratic Governance (CCCDG) project implemented by ISD.

Monitoring Visit and Project Closure Discussion: Sustaining Community Initiatives in Badulla District

On October 12th and 13th, 2024, a monitoring visit and project closure discussion took place in Badulla District, Central Province, focusing on the mid-day meal program and home garden initiative under the DeREC program. The field visit on the 12th assessed the current status of these projects, which aim to enhance community food security and nutrition. The following day, a meeting was held with Home Garden Champions and Community Development Officers to discuss sustainability strategies post-project. The Agriculture Instructor provided valuable guidance on maintaining home gardening activities and explained how to access government resources to support continued efforts.

The event gathered 18 participants (15 women, 3 men) and emphasized collaboration between local champions and experts to ensure long-term success. The discussions focused on securing the future of these community initiatives, empowering local stakeholders, and promoting resilience. These efforts lay a foundation for sustainable agriculture and ongoing community development in the region.

 

Empowering Leaders through Proposal Writing

Community-Based Organization (CBO) and Rural Development Society (RDS) leaders from Matale, Kandy, and Nuwaraeliya participated in a proposal writing workshop. Together, they identified their prioritized issues and explored solutions by facilitating service linkages with government and private stakeholders.

This initiative is a crucial step toward addressing community challenges and driving sustainable development.

ISD grants Rs.115 Million to Sub- Grantees for Strengthening Civil Society in Plantation Sector

The Institute of Social Development (ISD) has taken a significant step towards empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) in Sri Lanka’s marginalized Malaiyaga Thamilar Community by granting Rs. 115,415,672.00 (USD 379,020.96) to five sub-grantees. This funding is part of the first installment under USAID’s Community Collectives for Democratic Governance (CCCDG) activity, aimed at addressing legal, policy, developmental, and governance issues through collective actions and advocacy.

The CCCDG initiative strengthens CSO networks and fosters collective action to drive reforms on common issues, including laws and policies affecting plantation workers and neighboring villages. The grant allocation underscores the commitment to impactful interventions at all levels, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and their rights are championed.

 

For more information on the CCCDG activity and its impact on civil society in Sri Lanka, please visit USAID’s Governance Sector Portfolio.

 

03 JULY 2024

Empowering Youth for Digital Advocacy

A three-day workshop was successfully conducted to empower 30 young participants as Digital Democracy Ambassadors. The workshop aimed to equip these passionate youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate effectively for the Malaiyaga Thamilar community through the Inclusive Malaiyagam Social Media Campaign. Participants also gained practical knowledge to address issues in their estates and districts, enhancing their role as ambassadors for change.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen youth involvement in digital democracy, with the participants set to assist the CED Project for three years following a three-month internship period. Together, we are fostering a new generation of leaders committed to advocacy and social justice.

21 JUNE 2024
21 JUNE 2024
21 JUNE 2024
21 JUNE 2024
21 JUNE 2024

Rupees 2,321 – Living Wage for Plantation Workers

The Institute of Social Development (ISD) held a press conference on the 29th of May 2024, at Hotel Oak Ray Regency in Kandy, to discuss the critical issue of living wages for plantation workers.
Since 2018, ISD has been dedicated to addressing the rights and welfare of the plantation worker community, particularly focusing on the pressing issue of living wages. The current study, initiated by ISD, sheds light on the ongoing wage crisis faced by plantation workers, advocating for a fair living wage of Rupees 2,321.

29 MAY 2024
29 MAY 2024

Social Justice Day 2024

Malaiyaga Thamilar community stood strong in a demonstration to demand social inclusion and rightful recognition. Held in front of the Nuwaraeliyal bus stand, the demonstration lasted two hours and drew attention from the public and supporters from surrounding areas.

A significant part of the demonstration was a powerful signature campaign calling for the replacement of the term “Indian Tamils” with “Malaiyaga Thamilar” in census reports. This change is crucial to acknowledging the community’s unique identity and heritage.

After the demonstration, a memorandum with the signatures was submitted to the Divisional Secretariat, reinforcing the community’s unwavering commitment to securing their rightful place in official records.

Together, we continue to push for change on key issues such as housing, land rights, language, living wage, postal rights, and social inclusion.

This is just the beginning, and with your support, we can ensure that the Malaiyaga Thamilar community’s voice is heard loud and clear.

22 FEB 2024
22 FEB 2024

Capacitating the informal sector workers and Estate Workers on C190

The Institute of Social Development (ISD) has been proactively advocating for the adoption and implementation of the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190), which aims to eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace. To promote understanding and awareness of C190, several targeted awareness campaigns have been launched, engaging various stakeholders, including local NGOs, trade unions, women’s organizations, and parliamentarians.

Central to these campaigns were study circle sessions, which provided a platform for community members to learn about C190. These sessions were instrumental in educating participants about the convention’s key elements, the rights it protects, and its implications for workplace safety, especially concerning the protection of women workers.

Virtual meetings with local NGOs and trade unions were also organized as part of the awareness efforts. These meetings facilitated collaborative discussions where participants could share their experiences, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for advocating for C190’s adoption and implementation. This approach helped build a network of organizations committed to the same goal.

To further extend the reach of these awareness campaigns, thorough research on C190 was conducted to develop informative content that would resonate with different audiences. Informative leaflets were produced and distributed to clearly explain the importance of C190, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the convention could easily understand its significance.

In addition to community engagement, policymakers were directly targeted by sending letters to parliamentarians. These letters outlined the benefits of C190 and urged legislative support for its ratification, aiming to create a ripple effect of awareness and action among decision-makers.

The cumulative impact of these campaigns has been significant. They have increased awareness of C190 among a broad section of the community and workforce, highlighted the issues faced by female workers regarding violence and harassment, and informed a portion of parliamentarians and trade union leaders about the importance of C190. Through these awareness-raising initiatives, a more informed and proactive community has been built, supporting a safer and more respectful workplace for all.

29 JULY 2022
29 JULY 2022
29 JULY 2022
29 JULY 2022
29 JULY 2022

Awareness on Labor rights

The Institute of Social Development (ISD) has been a steadfast advocate for the labor rights of both formal and informal workers, particularly focusing on issues related to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF). Recognizing the extensive labor exploitation faced by marginalized communities, ISD has conducted wide-scale awareness programs at the community level. These programs aim to educate key leaders of community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) on workers’ rights and the importance of securing EPF and ETF benefits. Through these efforts, ISD strives to empower marginalized workers to stand up against exploitation and claim their rightful labor entitlements.

https://www.isdkandy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/booklet.pdf

02 SEPTEMBER 2023
02 SEPTEMBER 2023
02 SEPTEMBER 2023
02 SEPTEMBER 2023
02 SEPTEMBER 2023

Launching of the book on History of Pradeshiya Sabha Amendment

A validation workshop was conducted on the Study on Socio-political and economic Status of plantation residents in Abandoned Estates of Sri Lanka: The case of Central Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces which was on 24th June 2022 with the participation of Academics, Politicians and other Stakeholders. In addition, the book on History of Pradeshiya Sabha Amendment was launched on the same day.

24 JUNE 2022
24 JUNE 2022

Launching of C190 Leaflet campaign

As part of a comprehensive effort to raise awareness about the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190 (C190) on eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace, a targeted leaflet campaign was launched. The primary aim of this campaign was to educate a diverse audience on the significance of C190, its provisions, and the rights it protects, particularly for vulnerable workers.

The leaflets were meticulously designed to be clear, concise, and informative, highlighting key aspects of the convention, including its importance in promoting a safe and respectful workplace. The content was tailored to resonate with different groups, ensuring that everyone—from workers and employers to community leaders and policymakers—could easily grasp the information.

18 JULY 2022
18 JULY 2022

Submission of memorandum to establish new Divisional Secretariat offices in Nuwaraeliya District

A memorandum was submitted to Human Rights Commissioner on violation of government gazette notification in establishing new Divisional Secretariat offices in Nuwaraeliya District on 27th January 2022.

Mr. P Muthulingam, Executive Director of Community Development Institute, Mr. Lawrence of Social Welfare Center, Ms. K. Yogeshwari of Working Women’s Front, representatives of civil society organizations including Mr. Ganesalingam of Upland Civil Society Association and Mr. Lourdesami of the Navayuga Community Development Forum, who works against the human rights violations of the people of Nuwara Eliya district, have participated and presented their ideas in regard to the matter.

27 JAN 2022
27 JAN 2022