Rendezvous with tea View(s):It was just two years ago that Sri Lanka celebrated the 150th year of tea after Scotsman James Taylor planted the first tea seedlings at Loolecondera estate in Galaha in 1867. “Apey tay wathuwala wedakarana lamai-ta thavama honda vatupak labenne ne (Our tea workers are still not getting a decent wage),” said Kussi Amma Sera. There are about 250,000 workers on estates leased by plantation companies and state-owned estates but nearly a million people (workers and their dependents) depend on tea estates for their sustenance. Unions also fear they may lose their grip on tea workers in such a model. So as I drink that strong cup of tea every morning, prepared by Kussi Amma Sera, with the tea coming into the house after being lovingly produced in the tea fields of the country, let’s raise a cup to the improved lives of workers, their families and giving them the dignity of labour.

Source: Sunday Times February 02, 2019 23:26 UTC