Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader MP Mano Ganesan in a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, called for an immediate moratorium on the eviction of plantation residents by estate managements.
In his letter the MP brought to attention of the President the notices issued to Mrs. S. Gandhi Mathi and Mr. M. Thava Kumar, long-time residents of line-room habitats under Sunderland Estate in Eheliyagoda, demanding their evacuation.
Ganesan argued that plantation residents, having lived in these dwellings for generations, are lawful citizens of Sri Lanka and must not be displaced.
He noted that while plantation lands are managed under long-term lease agreements, the land itself belongs to the state and its people, including plantation residents.
The MP said that the Manager of Sunderland Estate, managed by Pussellawa Plantations Ltd, had expressed intentions of modern-day slavery.
He stressed on the need for a humane and fair approach to relationships between plantation workers, non-workers, and estate management.
Ganesan urged the government to impose a freeze on all evictions until systemic reforms are implemented to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of plantation communities.
The TPA Leader warned that unchecked evictions could lead to severe repercussions for the marginalized plantation community.