A video documentary capturing the experiences of the Malaiyaha community that sought to highlight the enduring challenges faced by this historically marginalised group, particularly their exclusion from public services and lack of inclusion in decision making processes, was screened in Colombo.
A research report on shortcomings in delivering public services to the Malaiyaha community was handed over to the participants. The report provided an analysis of systemic discrimination within public service institutions, underscoring how the community had been affected by bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited access and exclusionary practices.
The documentary and research report sharing served as a platform to foster dialogue between the Malaiyaha community and key stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, non-governmental organizations and media representatives.
The audience included Deputy High Commissioner of India Satyanjal Pandey, former MPs Mano Ganesan and Bimal Rathnayake and Dr. Sathishkumar Sivalingam Vice President of the Up Country People’s Front. University coordinators and students from the Universities of Jaffna, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa, who were enrolled in the Advanced Certificate Course on Sustainable Peace through Pluralism and Inclusive Service Delivery, participated along with community facilitators and researchers representing the Malaiyaha community.
One issue raised during the session was the lack of legal documents such as birth certificates and identification cards within the Malaiyaha community. These documents, which are fundamental for accessing services and exercising rights, are inaccessible due to systemic neglect, lack of awareness and bureaucratic challenges.
"Since 1948, the Malaiyaha community has been unfairly treated due to a political agenda. One of the key issues is that they don’t own land, which pushes them further to the margins. They have been labelled only as plantation workers but they also have their own political and cultural identity. It is important for society to recognise and support this identity. While policies can be made, changing people’s mindset is much harder. What we need to do is create space in society where this community can be treated as citizens with full rights," Mr. Rathnayake said.
The research report emphasised the need for systemic reforms and detailed how administrative hurdles, language barriers and limited government outreach hinder effective service delivery to the Malaiyaha community. The documentary also showcased how their exclusion from public services and decision making processes continues to keep the Malaiyaha community on the fringes of society.