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.