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by Shirajiv Sirimane

The Planters Association of Ceylon (PAC) comprising 23 estates and a workforce of nearly 200,000 is planning to invest over 1,000 million towards the welfare of their workers.

Convenor Media Committee, PAC, and Deputy General Manager John Keells Holdings, Jitendra R. Gunaratne said that this investment would be made from the 23 member plantation companies within the next six years. "Since the inception of our Association, member companies to date have invested Rs. 1,000 million," he said.

Self-help housing and upgrading of present housing stock absorbed 45% of these funds while clean water supply, (19%) sanitation (18%), Creches, dispensaries, maternity wards and staff training (18%) accounted for the balance."

Mr. Gunaratne said that the emphasis on the next six years would be on housing, sanitation and skills development areas. He said that there is a global demand for tea and if the local industry gains momentum more investments would be made towards the workers welfare.

Mahendra Amarasuriya, President PAC, said that since the plantation industry was privatised and the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) took over the management of estates in 1992 they have on numerous occasions increased the wages of the estate workers by 67%. He said that the tag, 'captive slave labour' commonly used in the estate sector some time ago is no longer in existence.

"Since the privatisation and the formation of this Association social and health indicators have taken a positive turn and even the HR policies of the estate management have turned favourably towards the workers. Today there is more gender equality with qualified young women encouraged to join the planting profession," he said.

"New technology and safety measures too has been introduced for better production and to relieve the stress of workers. The Japanese 5S system is also an ongoing management tool which is wildly used."

He said that the estate sector is expecting to earn more revenue for the industry by way of new global markets. "Then we can do more for the estate sector," he said.

The plantation industry is a major contributor to the economic growth of Sri Lanka and is a major contributor of manpower.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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