In the heart of Spring Valley, Sri Lanka, Muthuthevarkittan Manohari represents the daily struggles faced by many plantation workers in the country. Living in a cramped room with her four children and elderly mother, Manohari is skeptical about the promises made by the leading presidential candidates to provide land to plantation workers.
Descendants of Indian indentured laborers brought in during British colonial rule, the plantation community has long been marginalized in Sri Lankan society. Despite gaining full citizenship rights in 2003, they continue to face poverty, malnutrition, and lack of education.
Living in overcrowded 'line houses' provided by plantation companies, these workers endure substandard living conditions with limited access to basic amenities. The lack of proper medical facilities and harsh working conditions further exacerbate their plight.
While the government has made some efforts to improve conditions, progress has been slow due to fiscal challenges and resistance from powerful plantation companies. Access to education has improved, and a small group of professionals descended from plantation workers has emerged.
In the upcoming election, promises to address the housing and land rights of plantation workers are being made by presidential candidates. However, past unfulfilled promises have left many like Manohari disillusioned.
With concerns about her son's education and future, Manohari reflects the sentiments of many plantation workers who have yet to see tangible improvements in their living conditions despite political assurances.
As the election approaches, the fate of Sri Lanka's plantation workers hangs in the balance, with hopes for meaningful change tempered by years of unmet promises and ongoing challenges.
