Estate workers struggle amid rising costs and wage hike delay

For years, plantation workers' demands for fair wages have been dragging through negotiations, court rulings and collective agreements. Yet many like Janaki remain uncertain whether any promised increase will reach them.

- Mirudhula Thambiah

She worries, but her need is urgent. She had to support an unwell husband and help her son continue his studies. Fifty-two-year -old Sivalingam Janaki, plantation worker from Holyrood Estate in Talawakelle, carries responsibilities of supporting her whole family. Every day, she faces the challenge of making ends meet with wages that barely cover the rising cost of living. "We really need this increment. Something is better than nothing, but even Rs.1700 may not be enough with the current prices of essentials.

And will the companies actually pay," she asked, her voice heavy with both hope and doubt. Her words reflected the reality of thousands of plantation workers in Sri Lanka, for whom promised wage increases are critical, but uncertain. Janaki's doubts arise as the government has proposed raising plantation workers' wages up to Rs. 1,700.

Government response and promises

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyaratna told parliament last week that this increment is intended to address long standing wage issues in the sector. He assured, "The government is determined implement the promised wage increase. A new system will be adopted to ensure that the increase reaches workers. We will continue negotiations and take the necessary steps. You provide the necessary cooperation". He made these remarks when Deputy Leader of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Parliamentarian Palani Thigambaram pressed the minister of how and when the increment would actually be delivered to the plantation workers.

Life on the estates