Transformational journey of women in plantation industry

SRI Lanka's plantation sector has been significantly shaped by its colonial past.

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ompanies, supported by the Sri Lankan and Indian governments, the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), international donor agencies, tea brands, and numerous other stakeholders, have actively worked to systematically remove these historical barriers. Today, a new generation of women in the plantation industry is breaking through traditional limitations, stepping into non-traditional roles, and pioneering leadership opportunities that once seemed impossible.

Women Breaking Barriers in Leadership in Elpitiya Plantations

Jeyaranjithamalar from Madakumbura Estate under Elpitiya Plantations, a proud mother of two daughters, shared her inspiring journey of balancing work and family responsibilities while progressing in both. Joining the estate in 1990, following in her parents’ footsteps, she has balanced family responsibilities alongside her 35-year career.

“Both my father and mother also worked here, and I too wanted to keep working in this estate. I have been serving in this estate for about 35 years now. Today, my husband manages the home garden. I have an ailing mother and many family responsibilities. But the encouragement and support shown by the estate management have been extremely helpful for me, and that is what has helped me to continue working here for such a long time,” she said.