Estate Tamils seek adequate political representation
by P. Krishnaswamy
The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has
presented proposals to the Secretary of the Delimitation Committee on
setting up Divisional Secretariat Divisions and Grama Niladhari
Divisions in the plantation areas to secure adequate political
representation to the plantation community under the new electoral
system.
GOPIO Chairman and former Minister P. P. Devaraj in his letter stated
that successive Governments had initiated measures, including the
appointment of Grama Niladharis from the estate community in the Nuwara
Eliya and Badulla districts to mainstream and integrate the plantation
community into the administrative system. The measures have made some
impact but more needs to be done.
The steps being taken to create new Divisional Secretariat Divisions,
Grama Niladhari Divisions and re-demarcate existing boundaries are of
great significance in this regard, he said. Implementing these changes
can greatly help in absorbing and merging the estate sector into the
administrative system.
Being fully aware of the importance of the matter and acknowledging
the need for concurrence, political parties, trade unions and social
organisations representing the plantation community of Indian origin
have joined the GOPIO in submitting the proposals, Devaraj said.
During the colonial days, the administrative arm of the Government
and the services extended were kept out of reach of the plantation
community thus making them politically and socially backward, he said.
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