The Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Member has raised an issue brought by an international human rights organization. I appreciate him raising it. It is not about all 240 plantations under the RPCs, JEDB and SLSPC, but about some estates. In response, together with the Ministry of Labour and our Ministry, we have already held a discussion. We will continue discussions and provide a clear response.

¶ 02 We are aware of global competition concerning our plantation crops and that various issues are highlighted in the international market. As this industry is tied to our people’s livelihoods and the economy, we must manage it carefully. As the Hon. Member noted, this Government implemented the largest wage increase in history for estate workers—Rs. 400 increase to daily wages since January: Rs. 200 as a state incentive and Rs. 200 from the plantation companies. Additionally, with Indian assistance and our people’s tax funds, we are granting home and land ownership to line-room residents, expediting this work. Previously, line-room residents were to receive 7 perches; now we have increased it to 10 perches and are constructing houses. Therefore, we believe the human rights organization’s claim is not correct; we will present the relevant facts.