3,SPICE SUB GRANT COMPLETION REPORT

I. GENERAL GRANT INFORMATION1. Grant Number: 605100.05.01.15.113FAA-USF2. Grantee Name: Uva Shakthi Foundation3. Sub Grant Title: “Empowering Plantation Communities to Advocate for Their Equal Rights and

Promoting Active Participation in Decision-Making Processes Related to Their Lives” 4. Sub Grant Period: 7 Months

a. Planned Period (Start Date and End Date): 15th July 2016 to 15th February 2017b. Actual Period (Start Date and End Date):20th July,2016 -15 February 2017

5. Budget: a. Approved: LKR 4,139,815b. Revised: LKR 3,979,815

II. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT[Maximum 300 words consisting of the background of the project, key issues/ problems faced, geographic coverage, etc.]

      Background of the Project

The target population of Indian origin Tamil (IOTs) Plantation community was deprived of Citizenry Voting Rights in 1948.This was restored only recently in 2003 such deprivation trigged of the isolation from the National Stream and chain of discriminations. The impacts are more severe in certain regions in Badulla District. Uva Shakthi Foundation (USF) forwarded a Project Proposal Based on certain identified specific area of issues. Fallowing series discussions Project Agreement was reached out in mid-2016

Key issues and Problems

Due to long absences from active –free political and civic engagements the target population could not enjoy inclusive citizenry status including development inputs by States.

Trade Union and Temple Committees being primary Community Institutes in plantation divisional units, Trade Unions with their extension as Political Wings reign as mono power holders. On the other hand, the Plantation Companies become mainly profit bargained. The Worker Population is trapped in between

Though education improved, many forms of marginalization lead to a plethora of unemployed and underemployed young women and men devoid of viable media to address their grievances and needs

Young women, Household wives and working women continued to be oppressed by the system of higher patriarchy and regimented administration.

Isolation from current trends of Good Governance, Ascertainment of due rights and lack of rights to access Information

1

Invisible walls among Plantation entities and State and Public Service providing sectors combine with language constrains

Barriers in exercising communication needs free of intrusions ,practically in the Plantation Postal Services, that devoid of privacy and mail wise channeled life perspectives

Further in a situation where Tamil Plantation people exist, neighboring Rural Sinhala and Settlements Muslims there exist a constrained cleavage that hinders friendly and productive interactions

Geographical Coverage

5 Larger Plantations with 11 Divisional Units (equating an average Village) are as target locations. These Divisional Units are linked as Clusters and form in to a Geographical Belt along mountain valleys that cut across Divisional Secretariats of Lunugala, Passara, Badulla and Hali-ela in Badulla District of Uva Province

III. ANALYSIS ON THE PROJECT CONTEXT[Maximum 300 words. Describe the initial context of the project / target population / issues and the changes on them / present context and the level of influence on them by the project]

INITIAL CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT

The initial scenario is of two dimensions: 1. Societal 11. Project Level

i. Societal

It was in July 2016 that witnessed ubiquitous Trade Union and Temple Committees dominance, invisible fence among management and workers families, Women in oblique, where intrusions of cast, nonproductive domiciliary environment, and avoidance by public service sector, contemptible postal services and in nutshell all symptoms of inward looking life pattern.

11. Project level

Owing to the above backdrop, pioneer project involvements mostly on ground working, household visits, and informal discussions that led to;

11 Interactive Dialogue Sessions Fallowed by formation of 11 Citizens Councils Workshop for Citizens’ Councils Members Initial Interaction with Plantation Managements and Public Service Providers Focused on women and youth with Inspiring Workshop and Training Sessions

2

TOTAL POPULATION

Plantation Divisional Units Total Population1 Uvakele 15072 Hopton- Bungalow Division 6823 Dammeria – A and B 3844 Mapagala 6475 Weweesa 12156 Telbedda 7017 Kendagolla 10388 Springvalley Group : Among the 07 Divisions in

Springvalley Group 03 Divisional Units are covered / Divisions: Kottegoda, Maymalai and Springvalley 1st Division

3745

9 Uvaketawela 782 Total 10,701

ISSUES AND THE CHANGES ON THEM

The people in target plantations could not gain inclusive citizenry status and state wise services cum development inputs

Void in alternate social institutes and media to interact within community as well stakeholders towards constructive engagements, where women relegated as silent observers

Unorderly communication including in mail deliveries, poor ethnic interaction and external links.

Focused Issues and Changes

The socio –political situation in the country had influence the trends of the social services. In the previous regime due to the extreme authoritarian rule NGOs were generally adopted mostly passive approach and USF too been affected by this adverse phenomenon. With the regime change social organizations including us were able to venture in to the field of democracy and human Rights in a more liberal way.

It is within the project initiative period the mechanisms and space needed for social reforms were set in country wide. The vital component of this reforms are Constitutional affairs, Transitional Justice, Rule of Law and Reconciliation. That now these aspects are added by the spirits of RTI and democratic culture. These new features occupied a distinct place in the society with youth been promoted as the primary media for social change

As far as Badulla District is concern, the war hegemony syndrome was still lingering particularly among the majority segments which adversely impacted the plantation people, depreciating their

3

confidence. This has induced to forefront the Plantation Worker Community while simultaneously culturing closer interaction with the majority Sinhala as well the Muslim communities

Due to Civil war condition and the suppressive measures by previous Governments, the people in plantations mostly withholding their basic and civic rights demands. By the time the project was conceived the claims for Land, Housing, and Language Rights were at the highest. This is also due to the fact that both in Presidential and Parliament Elections these people voted in larger number and with greater hope they elected the present National Government

The birth of Citizens Councils as the alternate base of community network among the plantation worker community was originated in this backdrop

Prior to the project orientation the women’s were largely remained as a passive force and it is envisaged to activate the plantation women as the moving force among this community

The youth have played an adverse role in the past, concern inter-ethnic cordiality. This has led to adopt specific strategy to narrow the gap among Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim youths and promote unity among them. The concept of TOT and Fallow up Review Sessions were born out of this reality situation.

PRESENT CONTEXT AND LEVEL OF INFULENCE ON THEM BY THE PROJECT

In the light of above achievements and strategies, the Citizens Councils jointly with women and youth, backed by Volunteer Team and Peer Leaders surfaced as a combined force with promising links of Plantation Management and Government and Local Government Service Providers, resulting in the process of meaningful social transformation for the first time in the life of IOT Plantation people in these targeted Plantations with Sinhala and Muslim residences in allied localities. Each of the above segments of achievements are being impacted by project oriented programme and activities

4

IV. ASSESSMENT ON ACHIVEMENT OF PROJECT OUTCOMEProject Objective / Goal: To enable plantation Tamil communities in five selected divisions to exercise their socioeconomic and political rights for inclusive citizenship

OUTCOME INDICATORS ACHIEVEMENT COMMENTS ON TREND/ VARIATIONS

Outcome 1:Empowered communities living and working in the plantation sector have greater access to local government services and public services

# of issues related to local governance and development raised, addressed by citizen councils

Since the Project Initiative remarkable changes as to the approaches of LGA bodies of Pradeshiaya Sabhas and Divisional Secretaries been witnessed. Among such interventions selected ones are referred here under.1. At Uvakelle plantation Uva Provincial

council had initiated a Water Scheme targeting 60 workers household with the Budget in November 2016. Yet by end of December the Scheme was discontinued with water supply to 15 Households only. The “Natpani” CC represented by CC President S. Sarweswaran and Peer Leader P. Vinotha approached the Uva Provincial and got the water scheme reactivated with supply to all 60 Households completed.

2. Dammeria Estate During the monthly meeting of “Kalaimahal” CC, have identified a main issue of Children been mostly in astray during weekends and causing disturbances. The CC proposed conducting Social Moralistic (Araneri) Classes on

Presently the residents deviate from the generally prevailing practice of seeking Trade Union and Temple Committees, and consult mostly the CCs

The witnessing of project

results like Broachers, Leaflets and response by Public Service Providers and Media Coverage caused change in attitudes among Plantation Managements

5

weekends. Due to negotiations by the CC, the Passara Pradeshiya Sabaha Sponsored the Araneri Scheme and while the Management offered the premises to conduct Classes

3. “Kurunchi” CC, at Mapagala was deprived of public transport services in 2012 the Road was Carpeted but a major Trade Union with Political affiliation demanded if the Trade Union Committee Membership increased by 100 members only a bus service will be provided. In October 2016 the CC Team directly met the Chief Minster and SL Transport Board were as both have agreed to commence a bus service from Badulla to Mapagala

Outcome 2: Improved postal services for vulnerable communities in nine plantation divisions in Badulla district

Local government gazette notification released

1. In response to a Letter of Request by the USF to the Commissioner of Local Government Uva had sent directions to the 4 Pradeshiya Sabahas,Lunugala,Passara,Badulla and Haliela to take necessary steps to gazette names of streets and by-lanes.

2. Receiving letters from CCs, the Pradeshiya Sabahas had made written request to provide more technical details on the internal roads prior to end of April 2017

The Local Governments improve only Gazetteted Streets, a facility hither to denied will be open to the plantations as well in future

6

for notifying Gazette Papers

Outcome 3Improved active civil society participation in political decision-making processes.

# of concerns/ proposals/ issues on Constitutional Reform, Transitional Justice, reconciliation and democratic culture reported by established ‘volunteer force’

TOT Member representing Uva Prannagama and Welimada Divisions had voluntarily organized a One Day Workshop on RTI for 193 Government Officers at the premises of Welimada DS Office Auditorium on January 13th 2017

The Peer Leaders and Volunteer Team Members helped to collected needed materials for the preparation of Report that is to be submitted for the inclusion in to the UN –Universal Periodic Report

CCs in Uvaketewela,Mapagala and Kendagolla had staged Pocket Meetings in explaining Constitutional Reforms and the role of People in Plantations

While gain knowledge on the new political and social transformation trends the Sinhala and Muslim communities for the first time exposed to the National identity of the IOT Plantation Worker Community as Malaiyaha Tamilar

The youths of all communities access the wisdom of remarkable scholars who are also holding responsible positions in Reformation Committees and other National decision making Committees

Narrate to what extent the project contributed / achieved the overall objective / goal? Provide evidence / examples

A. The people in target plantations could not gain inclusive citizenry status and state wise services cum development inputsB. Void in alternate social institutes and media to interact within community as well stakeholders towards constructive engagements,

where women relegated as silent observersC. Unorderly communication including in mail deliveries, poor ethnic interaction and external links.

A.

7

Local Government /Divisional Secretariat personal, Police/Postal Departments, Grama Niladharies and other service providers are interacting with plantation people in friendly manner and with service consciousness

Changes surface in the attitudes of plantation Managers, Office and other Staffs in attending and dealing with the problem and necessities of worker population

The knowledge and information on cardinal aspects on Good Governance, Constitutional Reform, Right to Information, Transitional Justice and Reconciliation are disseminated among various social strata’s while inspiring closer interaction among Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim Entities through the mediation of well-equipped Volunteer Team emerged via TOT strategy

B.

11 Citizens Councils (CCs) with 05 Thematic Sub-Committees for each Citizens Councils functions with multiple responsibilities while transforming in to the voice of the plantation dwellers. The functional velocity further strengthen with adopting Constitutions and Initiative for legalizing through registration procedures.

A Trained Voluntary Activists Team of young women and men engage in to mediating among Management, Key Decision Makers in Public Sector, Programme Implementers and Cross Sections among the worker community

Comparing to July/August Situation by November 2016 Citizen Council members as well as leading characters in these plantations started to discuss relevant matters collectively and reach out viable solutions mostly unitedly

System regularities like Monthly Meetings on defined dates, clear minutes on meeting, increase attendance and frequent interaction by CC office bearers with center office and field officers

Specifically Women Focused Training Workshop feedbacks commenced to reach on women volunteering in raising grass root issues, under taking responsibilities and as well attending programmes like PRA Exercise, Symposium etc. in increase numbers.

Peer Leaders with increased capacity through Training virtually replacing the conventional Peers among Plantation workers and family members not only on project oriented but also day to day affairs in respective locations

C.

The provisions like Letterheads, Rubber Stamps etc. practically become impetus in urging bold written contacts with State key Personal like Divisional Secretaries as well Managements concern their needs

With the installing Street Sign Boards and Household Doors bearing Address Stickers, even letters from Government Authorities now arrive with exact Name of Person and Street with postal number

8

The Local Government Authorities’ (Pradeshiya Sabhas) Secretaries and LGA and Election Commissioners are in constant touch in informing as to the status of Gazetting the Address Directory and the newly assigned Street Names. The appreciation by Police Departments as well other Public Service Units is an added value for the outcome of project initiatives

Evidences and Examples

Trained 10 Peer Leaders to facilitate Citizens Council orientations and further functioning

Residential workshop on Knowledge enhancing and forming up Citizen Council Structural Bodies for the 11 five member CCs totaling 55 key

persons. For an example on of the best Kurunchi Citizens Council of Mapagala has 5 Sub-Committees on Good governance, Environmental

and Natural Resource Management, Language Rights and Humanity, Women and Children and Youth Engagements

Capacity Development activities for the newly formed CCs with the aim of gender equality, women’s rights and in decision making

importance of women participation in political affairs. This is evidence by potential 03 Women Candidates have come forward and already

appeared before the Selection Committee of a Leading Political Party

Provided Sign Boards, Stationeries and Rubber Stamps on strengthening Institutional capacity for CCs. During our field visits a Sign Board

mentioning “Imayam” Citizens Council, Kottegoda was witnessed. Further the request for Registration of CCs of Kendagolla ,Uva

ketawela,Dammeria and Springvalley were forwarded in respective Letterheads, endorsed with rubber stamps

Regular monthly meetings been conducted by the CCs. This gathering is a novel inspiration to be continued beyond the project duration as

well. All CCs are maintaining Attendance Register and Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meetings

Apart from examples cited under achievement for outcomes one of the Trainee had video recorded the dilapidated condition of a bridge in

Badulla Town which is under reconstruction for more than a year and made it telecasted in National Television Channels

One Day Training Session to the Peer Leaders, Postal Staffs Welfare Officers along with Grama Niladaharies to assure their active

participation during the implementation process of the postal event. This fact had been authenticated by the presence of Postal Staffs and

Almost all the GN Officers of the areas including three women GN Officers and with the very understanding and friendly attitude by the

Plantation Management Staffs

1000 brochures(Handbills) were printed and distributed with the impressive massages on the validity of the Citizens Councils

9

The Magazines printed in Tamil and Sinhala Language well received by the target communities and stakeholders. Students are showing

enthusiasm in referring these magazines

47 Street Sign Boards and nearly 3000 name Stickers for Households units were been structured and affixed

A Video Documentary that speaks on the achievements and remarkable moments during the project implementing process. This will serve as

visual evidence for those in other locations as well future programmes participants

In addition the Capacities Skill Oriented Training Provided by SPICE to Staff members of USF was very contributory in many ways. For an

example we positively learned on the benefits of Milestone Method, Anticipated selection on participants, Session Planning, Cautious on

expenditure Timing and accounting in line with project components.

The visits and periodical guidance and concerned gesture shown by the SPICE Team Members were in fact could be considered as an

inspiring input

V. PROJECT OUTPUT AND ASSESSMENT OUTPUT INDICATORS ACHIEVEMENT COMMENTS ON TREND/

VARIATIONS

10

Output 1.1: Formation of eleven Citizens Councils (CC) in the selected plantation divisions completed

The 11 Citizens Councils conducted their seven periodic gathering with the more than 80% members participation

The 11 Citizens Committees initiated their registration process

Five Periodic gatherings were conducted for each 11 CCs resulting 55 Monthly Meetings

An average of 19 to 21 participants attended in these gatherings.

The Regularities such as assignment of Key Office Bearers, Operational Guidelines and Constitutions were completed

07 CCs have forwarded the above documents by end of February 2017

The submitted documents are in the stage of processing for Registration and the balance 4 CCs are informed that the full submission for legal status will be forwarded before end of March 2017

Personally the CC Members are conducting regular monthly meetings in which the incidents in their respective Divisional Units are discussed towards suitable solutions

The CCs will eventually transformed in to models of Community Network in the context of Plantation Workers Community

The letters of Application for registrations in letterheads and with rubber stamps are been responded by the Officers of Social Service Ministry under DS Office

Output 1.2: Capacity development activities for the newly formed Citizen Councils (CC) completed.

Three capacity development workshops on CC operation and women’s rights & gender equity held with the

1. The first Capacity Workshop for Key Representatives of CCs held on 18th to 19th September 2016 at Uva Management Training

All anticipated Key Persons from each CC have attended with their operational potentiality increased

11

participation of 55 CC members.

Institute, Pelgahathenna. All scheduled participants of 55 (5 from each 11 CCs) attended. Among participants, Males 28 females 27.There were 29 Youths ( 12 Males and 17 Females)

2. The 2nd Residential Workshop on Women’s Rights and Role in Civil Politics was held on 12th to 13th November 2016, at Uva Management Training Institute. The participants were defined as three Females and two Males per CCs, totaling 55 from 11 CCs.

Among the participants,36 were Females and 19 were Males totaling 55.The youth comprise 36 under age of 29( 26,Females and 10 Males)

3. One Day Training Session for 10 Peer Leaders to Facilitate CC Orientation and Functioning Capacity held on

28th August 2016 at UMTI out of the 10, Females 04 and 06 are Males, while youth amount 5(2 Females and 3 Males)

4. Material Provisions to facilitate Institutional Capacity of the 11 CCs ;

These women are expected to display more positive role, particularly it is expected to make entry in to Trade Union and Temple Committees

With increased involvements CCs to lookout for more facilitations on their own.

Even now, Citizens Councils at Mapagala, Dammeria, Hopton, Uvaketawela and Kendagolla have obtained premises to function, through the Management and Temple Committees

12

I. 300 Letterheads per CC ( 11 X 300 – 3300 LHs) were distributed

II. Provided Rubber Stamps with Pads for 11 CCs

III. Handed over 11Name Sign Boards for the Citizen Councils’ office premises

Output 2.1:The importance and right to have ‘postal addresses’ for marginalized upcountry communities articulated to stakeholders

One session with the participation of public service providers and plantation management held

The one day Sessions on Knowledge and Experience Sharing Session for Service Providers in Public Sector and Plantations was held on 26th 11,2016 at Riverside Hotel Badulla.

As against 33 listed participants, 45 attended the Session out of whom 30 were Males and 15 were Females, including 3 Female Grama Niladhari & a Welfare officer. The participants included Post Masters, Peons, Plantation Chief Clerks and Welfare officers ,Grama Niladharies along with Peer Leaders

Both the numerical in attendance and corporation extended are unprecedented. This is particularly from the Plantation Managements, Grama Niladharies and Postal Staffs.

Output 2.2: The household addresses and details of 3200 families demarcated and collated

Nine PRA exercises and nine follow-up filed planning sessions held to define postal address

1. The 9 PRA Sessions were commenced with the first PRA at Hopton on 5/11/2016 with the last one on 09th PRA held 16/11/2016 at Uvaketawela

2. The Estimated participants

During conducting the PRAs many young women and men from neighboring plantations which are not project targeted too attended and offered their corporation in whatever manner they

13

Fixing street signs and numbering household completed

were 15 per PRA, Totaling 135. However with the final PRA there were 173 who attended these exercises, among them 79 are Females and 94 are Males.

The Social Mapping had been designed in all 09 PRAs.

47 By-Lanes and Streets are been Identified

Names of the 2986 Chief occupants of respective household units were specified with addresses

Installing of 47 Sign Boards are completed in all target Divisional Units.

This task is accompanied by affixing of Address Stickers to the 2986 identified Household Units

consider possible Though 3200 families are

demarcated, at the 09 PRA the Number of households reached were 2986

The leading CC members expressed their wish to add some more Sign Boards on their own to by-lanes not covered under the project.

Output 2.3 The necessary documentation prepared and handed over with the names and details of 3200 household units, residential blocks, by-roads, streets, and lanes for the Gazette notification process in the target Project Areas

90 copies of address directory consists 3200 household detail handed over to stakeholders

Address Directories were distributed in the fallowing numbering among the marked categories’ of stakeholders:

Postal Departments-11 GN Officers :11Police Stations :11Pradeshiya Sabahas :11Election Commission: 11

The service providers mentioned, are now becoming too familiar with internal roads as well names and address worker residents in this target areas. This they consider will reduce many practical difficulties the faced due to lack definite Address.

The total number of Address Directories exceeded beyond

14

Four events held to celebrate completion of postal address provision process

Divisional Secretariats :11Plantation Managements :11Citizens Councils -11Uva Shakthi Foundation -11SPICE Office -11 Totaling 110 1. Mapagala held on 29 /01

/2017 at Temple Premises with a gathering exceeding 250

The Guests Numbering 14 included Seniour Police Officer, GN Officer, Estate Assistant Manager, Postal Peons , School principals and Media Personals

2. Kendagolla 9/2/2017 at the Hindu Kovil Premises approximately 320 were presented. The 25 Guests covering Postal Staff, Assistant Election Commissioner ,Secretary of LGA, Welfare Officer, Senoiur Officer from DS Office, OIC of Community Police, Youth Service Council, Trade Union Leaders and Visitors from outside

3. 10/2/2017 at Demmeria Sports Club, and attended by nearly 200 audiences. The Guests numbering 11 included LGA Secretary

90 and reached 110 in total

The four Ceremonies held at core locations attended by cross sections of the people along with persons holding important positions both in the Plantations and Public Sector Units

It is also noticed even people from other Plantations and close by Villages joint these Ceremonies

The important Guests with decision making capacity make pledges to gazette Street Names so that further development to the internal roads in Plantations could be extended by LGAs

15

Estate Manager, Educational Staffs, Postal Staffs, Leading Traders from Passara and Religious Leaders.

4. Final Event was taken place at Springvalley TMV, Kottegoda initiated with a long procession. The gathering exceeded 400 in number

The Guests and Visitors too reached 27 in number. This included Chairman of PHDT, Additional GA of Badulla District, Human Rights District Coordinator, District Coordinator of NGO Secretariat, Media Personals Seniour politicians and Trade Unionists, Educational Staffs and Mr. Balachandaran Gawthaman from SPICEIn all the Above 4 Ceremonies the Chairman, Secretary, Center Consultant and other Seniour members of Advisory Board of USF, along with the Project Staffs too participated.

Output 2.4: Messages on impact/ results and lesson learned in promoting household identities and postal addresses disseminated/ shared

A lesion learn and process video documentary is available

A lengthy Video Document have been filmed in the selected Divisional Units as well places of importance. This Document had been

It is intended, while using the concise video documentary, lengthy version of the film too will be screened

16

500 magazines/ brochures distributed among neighboring plantations

made in to a concise video documentary limited to around 15 to 18 minutes

400 magazines in Tamil Version with 100 Magazines in Sinhala are printed in colorful way and rich in contends

Apart from CCs as well within Plantations, the Magazines are issued among many major institutes like NGOs, Government Departments, Libraries, Schools and influential individuals

Distributed in the 4

Ceremonies; Mapagala 75, Kendagolla -75,Dammeria- 75,and Springvalley –Imayam,Vluduhal CCs -150, totaling 375 Brochures

Distributed to the CCs of Agaram-30,Udyasooriyan--25,Hoptonoor-35,Natpani-20,Sudaroli-25,Vidivelli-40 totaling 175 Handbills

The balance 450 Brochures at USF office for the future distribution in target and other Plantations

depending on the occasions and gatherings attend such events

There are feedbacks from deferent quarters with comments on to the contends of the Magazines. To sight a few the inquiry as to the oldest lady aged 103, the facts on the discriminations on postal services, the history of postal service hither to not spelled out and likely details

Many who referred the Brochures expressed their appreciation over the strategy of adding five Sub-Committees. They consider that the thematic areas assigned to each subcommittee covers the major parts of Plantation realities and needs

There were positive reactions such as many calls of inquiries from the plantations to the Ministry of Social Integration , National Language Commission, and HRC

17

The Magazines in Tamil and Sinhala versions were distributed:

6 each to the 11 CCs- 66 Nos, Uva NGO Forum -25 General Libraries – 25 Plantation School Libraries-30 At the 4 Ceremonies – 50 Government Departments,

Police ,Election Commission and Postal Offices -50 Nos

Trade Unions -25 Pradeshiya Sabahas - 28 CPA,ISD, USCOD, Save the

Children, Rights Now and Human Rights Commssion-52 Nos

SPICE Office -6 Nos Total Distributed 357 Balance 143 is retained at USF to be Distributed in future while few copies are in our Library

1000 standard brochures are printed and in the process of being distribution

The Brochures consist many vital information on CC Setup including the name list

The Brochure also provide communication details on right and relief based Commissions and Institutes

Output 3.1An action group of 25 member volunteers formed and involved in contributing to the constitutional reform, transitional justice and reconciliation processes

4 capacity development workshops/ trainings on Constitutional Reform, Transitional Justice, reconciliation and democratic culture held with the participation of 25 youths

a. The 05 Days Residential TOT was held between 14th to 18th

October 2016 at Ohiya, Management Training Center

b. In the 5 Day event all Informed 25 Participants attended among them 9 are Females and Males 16.The Age Composition: Below 29

Originally 3 Muslim Females are included whereas the Parents were reluctant to send for longer period of 5 days with night staying. A hesitation link to religious value which is high in Uva Region

18

17 Above 29 were 8 -Ethnic status; Tamil 10,Sinhala 14 and Muslim 01

c. The Main Sessions centered on-

- Training Objectives and the Logic of the Thematic Areas

- The Caliber and Quality of Volunteering Activists Team

- Constitutional Affair and Reforms

- Transitional Justice- Right to Information and

Implementation Process - Leadership and Interpersonal

Skills- Who is a Citizen and Role of

Effective Social Media- The Challenges for Civil

Society and defining of National Identity of Tamil Plantation Community as Malaiyaha Tamilar

- Reaching out Future Action Plan and Implementation Stagtigeis

- Role Playing ,Brain Storming Reviews and Panel Discussions along with Featuring Short Film, Field Visits and Cultural Events with comprehensive winding up of Sessions coordinated

The reluctance, particularly among the Sinhala youths holding vital positions in government sector as well social entities to move closely with young women and men from plantations were gradually overcomed and form into a promising unity that become evident.

Up to now there was no any youth media that represent all three communities with knowledge and inspirations that will contribute towards meaningful social transformations. The TOT programme under the project have given rise to such a team with velocity to function among all three communities

19

by Certificates Issuing Ceremony

The Review and fallow SessionsAll three Sessions were completed

Session 01: Held on 10th December 2016 at Riverside Hotel Badulla. Total Participants 26 with 10 Females and 16 Males.

Second Fallow up Session on: 30th December 2016 at Riverside Holiday Inn Badulla.The Total Participants 15 with 3 Females and 12 Males3rd Fallow up Session was held at Capital City Hall, Badulla on 19 January 2017The participants were 18 among them 7 Females 11 Males

The fallow up Review Sessions in fact contributed in forming a strong grassroots network that will push the CCs in to elevation so that over a period of time CCs will transform in to the primary media of the plantation worker population.

Field level awareness and field contacts have successfully carried out by the Trained 25 Member Volunteer Force

The three Review and Fallow Up Sessions assisted in reaching out more number of persons who command recognition in their respective communities and conveying needed messages on Constitutional Reform, TJ,RTI and Reconciliation Mechanisms

20

One symposium to enhance the process of awareness on social political affairs widen in Badulla District held with the participation of 150 people

Symposium on : “ Bring out Regional Dialogues to Enhance the Process of Current Social-Political, Reconciliation Affairs Widen in Badulla Region”

The event was held on 11th

February 2017 at Uva Provincial Council Auditorium. The Total participants 145 comprising 57 Females and 88 Males.

The Age Categories: Below 29 consist 61 and over 29 consist 84

Ethnic Representation: Sinhalese 38,Tamils 102 and Muslims 05

The Procedures of the Symposium

- A comprehensive Introductory address on the Strategic, relevant on the Context of Regional Dialogues at Uva Provincial Level was offered by Mr. Nadesan Suresh ,Chairman of

The involvement by the participants of the Three Fallow up Sessions, while strengthen their personalities and instill lasting inspiration in continuing community involvements

The Volunteer Force have been also directed to mobilize the suitable 150 participants for the Symposium which is scheduled by the 11th February 2017

According to the participants as well resource persons ,for the first time after the previous regime a regional dialogue have been effectively staged through this Symposium

In our experience It is not an easy task to summon persons holding important positions as well institutes in such larger number for an event like Symposium, covering longer hours

Wider knowledge and inspirations are created through this Symposium that will contribute in implementing the RTI Act more practically and

21

USF - The main Presenters covering

Constitutional Reforms, Reconciliation, Social Transformation, Challenges of Civil Society and Critical overview were;

- Professor Upul Abeyratne- Mr. S. Vijesandiran, Head

Department of Economics and Statistics Peradeniya University

- Mr. Luxman Shanthikumar Seeniour Consultant

- Commentators : - Mr. V. Anthonies, Chairman

UWDF,- Ms. K.P. Somalatha,

President UWFWO – - Mr. Prabath Kumara,

Coordinator FIOH- Moderators: Mr. Sumith

Abeykoon ,Secretary, Ms. Sundarawadani (TOT)and

Ms. Rahumath Kahan

- Translations : Mr. S. Ashokan,Uva Community Radio (TOT Member)

Overall Coordination : R.Raguraj K. Padmanathan and Ms. Nirmala Ekanayake

Constitutional Affairs and Reconciliation process become more reality

22

Provide a narrative description on the outputs achieved / variations with evidence and examples

Personally the CC Members are conducting regular monthly meetings in which the incidents in their respective Divisional Units are discussed towards suitable solutions

The CCs will eventually will transformed in to models of Community Network in the context of Plantation Workers Community

The letters of Application for registrations in letterhead and with rubber stamps are been responded by the officers of Social Service Ministry under DS Office

Certain Citizen councils have taken actions which in a way deviate from their formal obligations. For an example The Mapagala “Kurunchi” Citizen Council have negotiated and channeled the SLTB bus Service on routes of Mapagala on their own, a promise given by politicians but could not materialized

These women are expected to more positive role particularly it is expected make entry in to Trade Union and Temple Committees With increased involvements CCs to lookout for more facilitations on their own. Items. Even now Citizens Councils at Mapagala, Dammeria,

Hopton, Uvaketawela and Kendagolla have obtained premises to function through Management and Temple Committees Particularly the GN officers, Election Commission, Post Officers and Police Stations and respective areas are in passion of Address Directories

with other information’s During conducting the PRAs many young women and men from neighboring plantations which are not project targeted too attended and

offered their corporation in whatever manner they consider possible The leading CC members express their wish to add some more sign boards on their own to bi-lanes not covered under the project. The service providers mentioned, are now becoming too familiar with internal roads as well names and address worker residents in this

target areas. This they consider will reduce many practical difficulties the faced due to lack definite Address. The four Ceremonies held at core locations attended by cross sections of the people along with persons holding important positions both in

the Plantations and Public sector units It is also noticed even people from other Plantations and close by Villagers joint these Ceremonies The important Guests with decision making capacity make pledgers to gazette Street Names so that further development to the internal

roads in Plantations could be extended by LGAs.

VI. CHALLENGES FACED AND MITIGATION MEASURESCHALLENGES IMPACT ON PROJECT MITIGATION MEASURES TAKEN

23

1. Trade Union (TU) and Temple Committees (TC) comments to assert power position ever since the Head Kanganie System was legally abolished in 1959.Their influence penetrate in to family, Social and political arenas. Naturally they felt emergence of CCs as threat to their authority

2. The Grama Niladharies (GNs) are the new entries in to Plantation scenery. Who also in the process of ascertaining their power holdings. Initial reactions were felt but amusingly the GNNs of Sinhala and Muslim ethnicities become friendly in short period.

Resistant persist from one Tamil GN belong to Plantation Worker background and of a particular dominant Caste at Telbedda-Kendagolla Divisional Units he carries out adverse ideas regarding the services of ‘Udayasooriyan” and “Illankadhi”r CCs

During the initial stages particularly at Dammeria, Uvakelle, Springvalley Maymalai and Hopton we faced this syndrome. This is also due to the fact these are most interior locations were inward looking trends are strongly preserved.

The elderly members of Trade Union and Temple Committee specially displayed this pleasure of CCs particularly the Young Women and Men coming forward. They tried to adversely impact mainly the Household Wives

Certain constrains are being faced in installing the Sign Boards fir the By-Lanes. These By Lanes consists of households of upper Caste Clan.The GN also tried to influence neighboring Sinhala elements that this Tamil Street Names will be a treat to them

These were resulted in slowing down the part of Address Scheme.

Studying the situation, we approached such elderly members and through cordial dialogues explained the nature of CC and the policy of nun-interference in to the affairs of Trade Union as well Temple Committees

In addition discussion were held with TU

District Representatives of Madolsima, Lunugala and Haliela. Also the same approach with the Temple Priests at the main Hindu Temples at the same Town lets. It is with these key Persons the TUs and TCs maintain close links

These senior members are been invited to participate in the project related events as well. This strategy eventually resulted in gaining confidence and coordination of them

Our Inspiring Workshop covering GNs and Postal Peons as well helped a lot. The same with LGA ,DS, Police and Government Agents who graced many Project Events

Their intervention is reducing this antagonism and as precaution close interaction is maintained with other Tamil GNs as well

24

3. Due to exclusion from State oriented employment and livelihood access for the young men and women in Plantation due to ethnic bias, many, the young males seeking earning venues in capital and other urban cities. They access mostly employments of lower grades and invariably mingle with the lumpen characters.

Invariably when they return to plantation particularly at Mapagala, Kottegoda and Uvaketawela they display supercilious behavior that particularly trapped the innocent young girls and ladies causing many form of troubles. They also become the link agents with undesirable elements in the nearby townships. This factor was cautioned by the Community Police OIC Mr. Senadeera during his visit to Project Ceremonies at Kendagolla and Mapagala.

The Peer Leaders in this plantations brought to our notice that these types of youths tried to hinder the project orientations like inaugurations of Sign Boards as well the Ceremonies.

Leading positions are allocated for the young Women and Men in CCs in these Divisional Units. Further it is guided that such problematic youths to be absorbed in to the Sub-Committee or youth affairs in respective CCs.

25

VII. ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY [Describe how effective the project in terms of resolving the issues /need / purpose? relevance and timeliness of the interventions and cost effectiveness of the project]

a. The Interactive Dialogue Sessions combined with time gaps proved to be taxing. This is because the first round of 11 Interactive Dialogue Sessions was on CCs orientation immediately fallowed by another round of 11 Field Level Discussions. The time gaps within a short period involving larger number of target groups and stakeholders practically created strains both on the implementing reached as well as the related segments of communities

b. Heavily depending on Plantation administration precludes the entry of these people in to National Stream of Administration. Since presently the Government commenced to make meaningful entries in to Plantations this force the worker population in to dual situation that cause confusion.

Project effectiveness

a. In the whole Project structure, the formation and function of the 11 CCs play the basic and vital role. Realizing this extra efforts were taken to integrate the inputs of Identified well-wishers in the target Divisional Units in order to address the time gap urgency and related needs.

b. The Project have initiated a starting point at the movement and these efforts must be converted in to the form of a peoples in which CCs have to play the leading role and beyond project duration.

The above highlighted factors in addition to the main project focused of alternate community network and postal services which are sufficiently been addressed

Cost Effectiveness

In our experience along with project time line suggest that the cost breakdowns are skillfully worked out that reduces many practical burdens in the process of Implementations however there are one or two lapses deserve mentioning.

For instance in ground working for cost estimation regarding making Video Documentary with 50 DVD Copies we have made under estimation. The cost quoted in the Budget Allocation turned out to be extremely insufficient once the tasks like Script Writing, Location Selection and Visiting mobilizing Filming and Processing commenced

VIII. LESSONS LEARNED, BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Lessons Learned and Best PracticesProject wise:

Segmenting skillfully the shorter project duration in to 06 Milestones had enlighten on effective Time Management combined with Pre-Project Planning by listing in advance the aspired activities.

26

Administration Oriented

Beneficial to Finance Officer and Project on how Professional Accounting could be applied to practical project needs, like appropriately handling the situation in Budget Variations, a situation that invariably arise.

Community Level

The goal of forming Citizens Councils and the contrast emerge when entering in to implementation as well varied reactions people concern and stakeholders along with the learned experiences in overcoming such issues

Recommendations

The degree of reception from the worker population as well stakeholders both within and outside of the plantations towards the Postal Address Programme emphasis on the need to extend this scheme at provincial level covering both Tea and Rubbers Plantation Communities with a Policy Paper adopted at the Uva Provincial Council to this effect.

Alternate strategies of the Citizens Councils from the point of view on economic self-sufficiency for these people oriented Institutes. This is particularly compelling in a situation where plantation based Social Institutes are not facilitated or sponsored by State or the Government.

27

IX. MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE STORY

“A Community Achieves and Address of Its Own”

The arrival of Plantation Workers Community historically could be concerned as the impacts of pioneering postal Services in the central and southern parts of Sri Lanka. The British Planters were thoughtful in avoiding contact among the Tamil Workers in Plantations and neighboring Sinhala Villages. Instead they encouraged the interaction with the Rural Villages in South Indian from where they migrated.

The post offices called as postal Stations were opened up in plantation based town lets of Nawalapitiya,Hatton, Nanuoya, Haputale Badulla, Ratnapura,Rakwana,Polgahawela, Nuwaraeliya, Ragala and Monaragala.

Particularly postal stations were established in South India in places like Pudukottai, Thanchavoor, Aranthanki, Madras, Selam and Madurai to serve communication with migrated communities in Ceylon, Malaysia and likely Countries.

However the communications and free movement with their relatives across the sea was stand stilled particularly fallowing the disenfranchisement and deprivation of voting rights of the Indian Origin Tamils IOT Plantation Workers Community immediately after the country gained Independent in 1948.The Plantation remained closed enclaves. The street are being identified with names of symbols. The household units of the worker lack in numbers.

The Letters and written documents from Post Offices reach the Estate Office from there, they reach the Muster sheds. From the Muster Shed before reaching the adverse change hands of several persons, mostly after been exposed the contends.

The young women are subjected be embarrassments, notification of important events are purposely delayed and delivered beyond assigned dates for the programmes or functions. There are number of instances where youths missed University entrance and employment opportunities, while delayed for the important events like wedding and customary ceremonies.

Considerably these realities our Organization introduced the people oriented postal services in the Plantations. Sign Boards are being installed in the Bi-Roads and Street in the Plantations. Address Stickers were affixed to every households of the workers in the Line Settlements as well annexed devilling’s.

28

As a result presently the letters are delivered to the door steps of workers households to the addresses. The slang names of the settlements and inner roads are replaced by name that holds dignity or recall historical event or a dignified character. The Initially there were many mistakes, particularly in establishing the Sign Boards. Certain communal elements in Sinhala Villages tried to interpret the name given by the workers and youths to their Bi-Lanes as a sign of the IOT Plantation Community initiating claim for autonomy and spate state in par with Northern and Eastern parts of SriLanka.

Presently, especially the young women and men are happy with the regulation and dignified postal delivery. The Postal Peons and Post Masters who attend our awareness programme inform us that written communications postal delivery to the Plantation are at increase in recent time. The Youth who were reluctant to give their full address to avoid slang names of their bi-lanes now provide the full details of their residences with pride.

In the Plantations a worker known as “Thapal Cooly” is collection of postal items from Post Offices. The “Thapal Cooly” invariably have many other important assignments other than collecting and delivering the Mails to the Estate Offices. He carries the massages important persons in the Cities, Collect News Papers, purchase groceries for the Staff and most importantly carries the Meat Box to the Manager Bungalow.

Muster Shed:

This a Shed called “Perattu Maduwam” in Tamil where the labour force gather early in the morning where the Field Officer allocate the type of work and the number of working field(Called duty Roaster) as well needed tools to be carried out by a worker on that particular day. The postal peon drops the Letters addressed to workers or family members at this muster shed for them collect or distributed a third person.

Workers call this Muster Shed as ‘ Perattu Maduwam’ ( Perattu refers to Parade in English, a Military Term since most of the Planters in the pioneer day were recruited form the regiments that served in South America

29

The Line Rooms:

A series of household unit line up either in one side or both sides of long structure called line settle settlement of workers. Normally such a household units consist of inner room with a narrow verandah which is usually serves as a kitchenette with a hearth in the ground. The numbers of these workers settlements by the management concern is provided for the Line Structure that consist from 12 to 22 household units. This Number could be seeing in one side of the end wall of long line Settlement.

The Line Room Settlements at Maymalai ,Springvalley

The Line Number 3 at Kottegoda could be seeing in one side of the end wall of long line Settlement.

The Dignity Adorned through the Historical Pathways of Many Endeavors in Excessing Local Government Services among the Plantation Workers” Malaiyaha Thamil” Community: The Gazette Notification

30

According to the Pradeshiya Sabaha Act of 1987 No: 15, the infrastructural services from the PS could not be extended to the people who comes under the authority of Plantation Management the instigation to remove the Clause in the Pradeshiya Sabahas that hinders the inputs among Plantation Communities is presently imitated by the Citizens Councils of USF. Even with this Legal constrain we are able to include the new names of the internal Roads and Lanes in to the Gazette Notification of Pradeshiya Sabahas which could be consider as credible achievement in since the very early history of Plantation Worker community.

Gazeting of 47 Street Sign Boards in 11 Divisional units in Plantation could be considered as a land mark achievement that could not be materialized any of the plantation based institutional networks or political representations.

The fact being some of the guests who graced the inaugural events of the ceremonies are members of LGAs and Provincial Councils it contributed in enabling the inclusion of the Postal Address Scheme in to the ambit of Provincial Council to put forward for Policy Paper on the need to have systematic postal services in the plantations. The concentration of USF too been solicited concern the technical aspects of the Policy Paper

“The right to safely receive one’s correspondence, taken for granted in the rest of the country but fraught with difficulty in the Plantation sector, can make the difference

between receiving a rare university admission, a better job, desperately needed funds from a relative abroad.. or not. In the lives of estate worker communities such rare

opportunities may come only once or twice in a life time and be the difference between hope and a life of regrets

”Has arranged to provide plantation sector families with permanent address, for the first time ever in that sector, thus ensuring the social security of their important communications

31

X. SUCCESS STORIES

Dawn in the Life of a Young Lady in a Workers Family

Vijekumar Vinothini

Vijekumar Vinothini belong to the new generation among the plantation with secondary education and external links. She had applied for a Clerical Post in Sri Lanka Telecom Pvt Ltd, Office in Badulla. She was awaiting for the response from the firm. Since there was under delay she visited the Telecom Office personally. To her surprise the officer in the firm informed that letter for the interview had been sent weeks ago and it’s too late for her to appear for an interview since the vacancies had been filled.

She was very much worried since such a chance of accessing professional carrier with decent employment occur really in her life time of a young girl like her from Plantation worker family. However she applied for another vacancy in the end week of January 2017. She was glad that she reached a letter in reply from the establishment by the mid of the February same to her correct address with Street Name and Postal number of her household the line Settlement. She gladly acknowledged that presently she is employed at Softlogic Company as an assistant accountant.

V. Vinothini, 3/5, Nilavely Street, Kottegoda, Springvalley

BLESSED WITH REMINISCENCE OF FIVE GENERATIONS

32

Theivanai Amma with her Great Grand Daughter - The Indian Passport

An elderly lady affectionately called by all as Theivanai Amma could vividly reminiscence the times when she entered the labour gang of children during early 1920s and the second would was of 1940s.

She was born in November 15th in 1915 to the couple of Ramasamy at a village in the region of Pudukottai in South India. She can recall accompanying her parents at the age of four to the Wewessa Estate in Badulla. When she joined as a Tea Plucker at the age of 8, she was not even as height of the Tea bushes, If made any mistake in plucking the “Knaganie” (Field Labour Supervisor) will ask to stretch the palm and punish with a cane. Gradually she become a leading plucker in the Estates.

When she very young at the Age of 12, married to Mutthu without seeking her consent. She can remember with dates and times she visited her relatives at native villages in Pudukottai. The first visit since migrated to Wewessa Estate, that is on the 5th of February 1950 and second visit on the 14th of November in 1984.She recalls the atrocities inflicted on the Tamils during the communal riots of 1983.

She can recite the traditional rhymes like ‘Thalattu’ (Lullaby – A Soft Gentle Song Sung by Mother to make Child go to Sleep) Oppari (Songs in Funeral times) and ‘Thevaaram’( Religious Songs) she dislike to idle and contribute in household chorus including caring great grandchildren, overlooking home

33

garden and tendering home poultry. Theivanai Amma, whole 103th Birthday Celebrated by family members recently is blessed with 45 grandchildren and grate grandchildren. She is presently, live with the family of one of the grand children at Kottegoda Division Springvalley Group.

We met this great elderly lady at a grand Daughters line Settlements fallowing participation in the discussion of the “Viluduthuhal” Citizens Council in which Theivanai Amma to a respectable member of this CC. During our PRA visit she served Tea to us in her own hands

“Seeing this sticker with my granddaughters name and address shining in her front door gives me great pleasure at this age in my life “These are the words of Thaivanai Amma whose life span touches upon both the 20th and 21st Centuries”

PIAISEWORTHY SERVICE RENDED BY “NATPANI” Citizens’ Council

A recent incident that is connected to the obligations of Local Government Authority is an example for the achievement of the alertness of the people concern.

The Uva provincial Council came forward to extend a water supply through the worker settlements to Uvakelle Plantation in Madolsima. The construction and supply schemes is budgeted for 60 families of the workers settlements.

The construction of the water tanks and the water supply lines in early November 2016.While in process the scheme had been discontinued with extension of water supply lines only to 15 houseless out of the 60 estimated households.

The effected residents brought this atrocity to the notice of the monthly meeting session of the Natpani CC, were it was decided to forward this request by the CC directly to the Authority concern. Accordingly the representatives of Natpani CC,L. Sarweswaran the president and Ms. Vinotha the secretary on behalf of the people to the Ministry of Water Supply and Water Supply under the Uva Provincial Council.

As a result the ministry concern resumed its obligation and presently all 60 households under Water supply Scheme now access water to their households

Motherly Love Conveyed to her Baby with Address and Smile

XI. NEWS / MEDIA / WEB ARTICLES RELATED TO THE PROJECTS[Copy the articles / provide the links if there are any online / web articles]

Scanned Copies are annexed with

34

XII. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION [Copy selected project photographs and submit a CD containing the selected project photos]

Already been dispatched

Signature of the authorized person

Nadesan Suresh – Chairman of Uva Shakthi Foundation

Name, Designation and stamp

35