Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear Fathers, respected sirs and madams

Its exactly 14 days since the tragedy struck the poor plantation community in Koslanda. Attempts are successfully placed to reduce the figures of the death and the missing. The parallel motive will also to bring the rainbow of normalcy in the minds of all, while the souls of the persons buried underground cry for justice and say how will our souls rest in peace. What is our responsibility?

When we consider the official figures of death/missing and add up with the no.of survivors, pathetically at-least about 200 are not dead and also not living. This is true even with reference to their position and rights as citizens of this country. They are citizens and also not citizens.  The reasons are that still by certain laws plantation community has been isolated and denied equal rights in terms of political, social and economic status. We as a group and organizations have delved on these issues continually and have come with solid findings and recommendations. Now i trust the time has come to lobby. -- 

I am writing this mail seeking your support for a joint action. Let me suggest the following (for your consideration and comments, i stand for correction)

1. We meet in Colombo and discuss the important points that need to be advocated for a full emancipation of the plantation community (such as the change of sect 15 of pradeshya saba act /considering the settlements as villages/ land rights/ right to information/ etc..)

2. We involve progressive and persons of prominence who can make an impact

3. Finalize a "Koslanda declaration" 

4. We work in two levels, grass root and higher levels.

These are few suggestions for your comments. The goal is to lobby issues to be addressed at all levels. This i believe will make a big impact,but we need to act fast.

Kindly respond with your suggestions and comments. 

With blessings

Rev. Andrew Devadason

Rev. Fr. An

drew Devadason, MA
Church o

f C

eylon (The Anglican Church), Diocese of Colombo.
Resident Priest, St. Marks Church Badulla with 
Christ Church Demodara,

" Be a Partner: Give Hope to the Estate  Community"

CALL : 0552225049 / 0776764251

St. Marks Church, Badulla, Sri Lanka

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[Lalith Kumar]

Dear Fr Andrew

Thanks for initiating the way to go.

We may have to response the incidents continuing disaster in the Hill country.

I had a word with Fr Arasilarajah yesterday , same technical err related to information of the poor workers.

Go ahead

will give our fullest cooperation

Fr Lalith

 

 

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[Andrew Devadason]

Few Action

We will file a complain in HRC tommorrow  by Rights Now also file a FR case within next two week

But most importnat is a strong political movement  of  Plantation people of the whole issue including statelessness, Land Rights . Housing Rights, Citizen Ship , ID and dominance of plantation companies in their lives . read rawaya last week.

We have to bring all political parties  that represent Plantation sector, Civil Society, Religious Leaders, this is not a disaster but 200 years old descrimination.  etc,

Proposal for all

We are reaching  200 th years of british colonisation , one of the main product of british colonisation  is plantation sector and we better have massive campaign  for  freedom from modern day slavary by 2015 march 2nd.

Andrew and Fr. Saththi can you two work on public apology by Anglican church for the atrocities done by British and subsecuantly Singhala Governemnt to the Plantation community , this including barran land act against the indigionous Singhalese ,

I hope Sudharshana will support Rights Now on this process as we are  keen on this .

We have to work on this .

regards


regards


Lakshan Dias - Attorney at Law
Lakshan Dias - Attorney at Law ,

Chairman SANRIM, Christian Rights Front – Convener
Colombo Urban Lawyers and Lakshan Dias Associates
Legal Consultants of  Refugee, Human Rights, Religious Rights & Criminal Cases.
Licensed Company Secretary & Commissioner for Oaths,


Tel :       +94 757 119417 , +94 714 534527
Email ;  laksh...@yahoo.co.uk


Skype:  lakshanjagath
 

--------------------------------------------
On Tue, 11/11/14, Andrew Devadason <andre...@gmail.com> wrote:

 Subject: Fwd: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace
 To: laksh...@yahoo.co.uk
 Date: Tuesday, 11 November, 2014, 22:20

 Dear Lakshan aiya
 The previous mail bounced
 Andrew---------- Forwarded
 message ----------
 From: Andrew
 Devadason <andre...@gmail.com>
 Date: 11 November 2014 21:48
 Subject: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to
 rest in peace
 To:

--

Rev. Fr. Andrew Devadason, MA
Church of Ceylon (The Anglican Church), Diocese of Colombo.

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear Lakshan Aiya

Thanks for the response. Thanks for the initiative taken. Aiya what i am proposing, i thought we leave the politicians out for the first stage but initiate a peoples power from the grassroot. After we formulate the 'Koslanda Declaration" then we gather the people at Koslanda and launch the declaration.  Then at the stage of lobbying we can involve everyone. One could be that we have poojas at Kovils/Churches/Pansalas for the souls of the departed and lobby the same at these poojas as well. We must try to reach to every plantation worker on the details of the declaration.

When replying or sending in your comments pls click reply to all. 

For comments pls

Andrew

[Cathedral Institute Diocese of Colombo]

Thanks Fr. Andrew and others,

Good initiatives and assure my fullest support for any ground work and visits in the days to come.

I also look forward ECDM involvement in every possible way as the diocesan official body for plantation.

Thanks,

In+

Fr. Bala

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[Andrew Devadason]

Thanks for the responses and those responses are carefully noted. I wish others too will respond.

Andrew

On 12 November 2014 10:42, Emil van der Poorten <emi...@sltnet.lk> wrote:

I would suggest a bit of caution here.  Trying to throw everything including the kitchen sink into this initiative is going to dilute it.  We need to stay focused, set aims and objectives as Andrew has done and NOT try to do everything at one time.

 

Asking the Anglican Church to apologise for atrocities during the British period should not be a priority because particularly since there is history to prove that some British Governors worked against the Anglican hierarchy and supported evangelical movements competing with the Anglican Church hierarchy.

 

Can we PLEASE stay focused and NOT start another round of demonising? Andrew has pointed, very clearly, to what has to be done.  Let’s follow those markers.

 

Emil van der Poorten

[Andrew Devadason]

I understand that at organizational level some organizations may not be able to participate at stage 1. but stage 2 may be possible. Yet i invite you to participate as individuals if you can, and also to utilize your good office to draw the progressive and prominent perosns into this campaign.

Andrew

[Andrew Devadason]

A Response from father Selvan

Dear Fr.Andrew,

I wish to concentrate and prioritize an event which should remember the Koslanta community in a wider circle nationally & internationally. So I propose the following:

1. An appropriate date: May be Nov 29 / Sunday close to one month / ...

2. Event may be silent march with banners.../ protest / worship / vigil 

3. Many public places including Anglican churches, Hindu Kovils....

4. Remembering (emotional), Presentations with situational analysis and highlighting the role of each citizens of SL (Knowledge & Skill), express solidarity,

5. Try to see that there is no space for party politics.

I hope this will help to come out with 'Koslanta Declaration' or Koslanta declaration will get deeper and deeper in all the communities. What ever it is it should be soon.

Shalom,

Fr.Selvan

On 12 November 2014 12:00, lakshan Dias <laksh...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:

I look at this in political perception so in opinion its worth to start with Anglican church apologize for the historical alliance with  the British hierarchy and the Colonials and obtain privileges while  no such privileges was  given to the  plantation community , while make them second class citizen.

I agree  it need to not  be  in the main agenda  some  of us can do  it while others do main agenda , also there are other groups too working on this. I agree with Andrew on not to get politicians at this stage  but we have to get  them may  be later stage, this can be civil society and Religious platform , but we all need to be thinking political if possible some times it may not be possible  but we better try as much as possible.

This is my opinion

regards


Lakshan Dias - Attorney at Law ,

Chairman SANRIM, Christian Rights Front – Convener
Colombo Urban Lawyers and Lakshan Dias Associates
Legal Consultants of  Refugee, Human Rights, Religious Rights & Criminal Cases.
Licensed Company Secretary & Commissioner for Oaths,


Tel :       +94 757 119417 , +94 714 534527
Email ;  laksh...@yahoo.co.uk


Skype:  lakshanjagath
 

--------------------------------------------

On Wed, 12/11/14, Emil van der Poorten <emi...@sltnet.lk> wrote:

 Subject: RE: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace
 To: "'Andrew Devadason'" <andre...@gmail.com>, "'Velusamy Weerasingham'" <weeras...@gmail.com>, "'Selvanathan Selvan'" <sdps...@gmail.com>, "'Sudarshana Anojan'" <sano...@gmail.com>, estate-commun...@googlegroups.com, "'Evangelyn Perera'" <yog...@yahoo.com>, "'Jude Thavarajah'" <Jude_Th...@wvi.org>, "'Jude Ratnam'" <jude_...@hotmail.com>, "'Jeanne Samuel'" <jeanne...@gmail.com>, "'Rienzie Perera'" <rien...@gmail.com>, "'Annathaie Abayaskera'" <anna...@gmail.com>, "'M Sathivel'" <sath...@yahoo.com>, "'Vamadevan Meyan'" <mvama...@gmail.com>, "'Chandra Schaffter'" <cha...@janashakthi.com>, "'Chandrabose'" <asbo...@hotmail.com>, "'Ramesh Ramasamy'" <ramna...@yahoo.com>, laksh...@yahoo.com, "'Surein Gunasekera'" <spac...@sltnet.lk>, "'Noel Sylvester'" <Noel_Sy...@wvi.org>, "'Binnu Jeevarajan'" <binnu...@hotmail.com>, "'Miss. Sriyanganie Fernando'" <bis...@sltnet.lk>, devapr...@gmail.com,
 laksh...@yahoo.co.uk
 Cc: "'Geetha De Chickera'" <dechi...@yahoo.com>
 Date: Wednesday, 12 November, 2014, 10:42


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[Andrew Devadason]

Thank you father bishop Duleep.

Andrew

Thanks Andrew

We had internet interruptions hence the delay in responding.

Your comment on the numbers still missing is very worrying.  

I suggest that you negotiate a convenient date for the proposed mtg a.s.a.p. I will attend.

Please bring whatever evidence you have re nos missing to the mtg. 

With Peace and Blessings

+ Duleep

On 12 November 2014 15:34, Ramesh Ramasamy <ramna...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Fr, 

First, I would like to thank you for your timely initiative to address the fundamental problems of the plantation people. Undoubtedly, your suggestions and efforts would make an impact at the top level to bring about policy changes to put an end to the long -standing discrimination. My suggestion is that you can shed more light on social citizenship rights of the plantation people which emphasizes the right to education, housing, health, employment and other legally mandated state services. They have certain degree of access to civil and political rights, but, their social citizenship rights are largely neglected by the successive governments and plantation companies. This is the fundamental reason for the issues related to land rights and housing. Without social citizenship rights you cannot claim for housing or land rights. therefore, we should highlight the importance of social citizenship rights in the declaration, which is an area received very little attention by the policy makers and bureaucrats. This is high time to campaign for social citizenship rights (social rights). Currently, in many developing countries advocacy and lobbing have been started at aiming social citizenship rights of ethnic/cultural/linguistic/religious  minorities. If you need I can assist you in this regard. In the meantime, we must accommodate plantation youth in the entire advocacy which will certainly make a positive impact. Because, it is apparent that they are very vigilant and concerned about the community issues after this Koslanda incident. 

Even though I'm away from Sri Lanka, I will be with you in the whole process and I will try my best to get media support in Norway to publish the Koslantha declaration in the Norwegian newspapers. I can also look for other sources to publish the declaration. 

Good luck and hope for the best ..............

with cheers

R. Ramesh

PhD Candidate (in Public Administration)

University of Bergen

Norway

[Andrew Devadason]

Mr. Emil

I circulated this mail among a few only,  i am sure many will get involved once we get this going.

Andrew

On 12 November 2014 20:07, Emil van der Poorten <emi...@sltnet.lk> wrote:

I am glad that Bishop Duleep is involved in this initiative.  Whatever has happened to the current Anglican Bishops of Kurunegala and Colombo?  Perhaps, they should be asked whether they are supportive of this initiative or whether they are not and, if they choose not to involve themselves, why they are making that choice.

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear All

The discussions on the mail over the days have indicated that we have common agreement on the matter and that the need to act fast. Therefore let me suggest the following.

1. Lets try to workout the draft immediately

2. Mr. Ramesh - Can you help by worrking out the point on Praseshya saba act and the land and social rights

3. Lakshan Aiya - Can you help by including points on right to information and anything else that you think to be included.

4. Mr. Vamadevan - Sir kindly give us some input

5. All others - Lets wait till this draft comes out then we can fill in the gaps, but in the mean time try to network with all other initiatives that have been taken on the mater. We need to go TOGETHER. The HERO of our campaign is our OBJECTIVE.

6. I am proposing a date between 17th to 19th for the meeting in Colombo, pls. respond regarding your availability. We will try to finalize the draft on that day and decide upon the date of launch and discuss about the methodology as well.

Andrew

On 13 November 2014 00:44, Emil van der Poorten <emi...@sltnet.lk> wrote:

Mr. Dias, it seems like we are going to have to agree to disagree on this.

I am not about to tell anyone what they should or should not do.  However, suffice it to say that I will NOT be party to anything resembling yet another religious witch hunt, particularly one that I have yet to be satisfied is based on proof of alleged atrocities in Sri Lanka in which the Anglican Church has been complicit.

I will reiterate my belief in a focused effort such as Fr. Andrew has proposed because I continue to be convinced that it is what is required. We DON'T need anything resembling yet another religious witch hunt. Goodness knows we have had enough of those already!
Emil van der Poorten

-----Original Message-----
From: lakshan Dias [mailto:laksh...@yahoo.co.uk]

Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 11:10 PM
To: 'Andrew Devadason'; 'Velusamy Weerasingham'; 'Selvanathan Selvan'; 'Sudarshana Anojan'; estate-commun...@googlegroups.com; 'Evangelyn Perera'; 'Jude Thavarajah'; 'Jude Ratnam'; 'Jeanne Samuel'; 'Rienzie Perera'; 'Annathaie Abayaskera'; 'M Sathivel'; 'Vamadevan Meyan'; 'Chandra Schaffter'; 'Chandrabose'; 'Ramesh Ramasamy'; laksh...@yahoo.com; 'Surein Gunasekera'; 'Noel Sylvester'; 'Binnu Jeevarajan'; 'Miss. Sriyanganie Fernando'; devapr...@gmail.com; Emil van der Poorten
Cc: 'Geetha De Chickera'
Subject: RE: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace

Dear Emile

While support Fr. Andrews initiative i am  not limit to that . My concern is people. Not only Fr Andrew many others had started initiatives which I also involved i am sure there are atleast 3=4 such initiatives at the moment , some are political some are religious some are socio political.
So lets join where ever we can and share our solidarity. and also take initiatives as per our belives.

What I suggest is what I belive and i admire what Bishop  Lakdasa or Bishop Lakshman Did and I respect them as our leaders.

Initiatives are different and we take different lines as our belives. So I stand for  what I said and will promote it but may be not in this with others.
I propose Certain things which may not suit this initiative but will do it in different platforms with differnet groups. I do  support this initiative and will also support many other intiatives on the same issue in different political line,

for me thiws is Human Rights issues and  Rights Now  will file a complain to Human Rights commission tommorrow and also file a fundamental Rights case  in two week as wellas  join  or call a meeting of civil Society , political groups , trade Unions religious groups to take this matter politcially. It can go along With Fr. Andrews initiative, praralaly or separatly , we only can complement each other and show  our solidarity and support ot  each other.

Fr. Satthi had a press conferance last thursday and we had a articla in Rawaya on the sam issues and we get momentum of that proposals as well. so we also working on different  front but 100% support what Fr. Andrew initiated. So we are not challenge but complement  each other.

Anglican thing; i think as  an Anglican I can propose it and hope some of us ( few ) can do it by 2015 March 02 atlast as few anglicans to apologice from Sri Lankan people. it can be extenssion of this or  totally separatre event by some of us any way we will do it.

regards

Lakshan Dias - Attorney at Law ,

Chairman SANRIM, Christian Rights Front – Convener
Colombo Urban Lawyers and Lakshan Dias Associates
Legal Consultants of  Refugee, Human Rights, Religious Rights & Criminal Cases.
Licensed Company Secretary & Commissioner for Oaths,


Tel :       +94 757 119417 , +94 714 534527
Email ;  laksh...@yahoo.co.uk


Skype:  lakshanjagath


--------------------------------------------
On Wed, 12/11/14, Emil van der Poorten <emi...@sltnet.lk> wrote:

 Subject: RE: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace

 To: "'lakshan Dias'" <laksh...@yahoo.co.uk>, "'Andrew Devadason'" <andre...@gmail.com>, "'Velusamy Weerasingham'" <weeras...@gmail.com>, "'Selvanathan Selvan'" <sdps...@gmail.com>, "'Sudarshana Anojan'" <sano...@gmail.com>, estate-commun...@googlegroups.com, "'Evangelyn Perera'" <yog...@yahoo.com>, "'Jude Thavarajah'" <Jude_Th...@wvi.org>, "'Jude Ratnam'" <jude_...@hotmail.com>, "'Jeanne Samuel'" <jeanne...@gmail.com>, "'Rienzie Perera'" <rien...@gmail.com>, "'Annathaie Abayaskera'" <anna...@gmail.com>, "'M Sathivel'" <sath...@yahoo.com>, "'Vamadevan Meyan'" <mvama...@gmail.com>, "'Chandra Schaffter'" <cha...@janashakthi.com>, "'Chandrabose'" <asbo...@hotmail.com>, "'Ramesh Ramasamy'" <ramna...@yahoo.com>, laksh...@yahoo.com, "'Surein Gunasekera'" <spac...@sltnet.lk>, "'Noel Sylvester'" <Noel_Sy...@wvi.org>, "'Binnu Jeevarajan'" <binnu...@hotmail.com>, "'Miss. Sriyanganie Fernando'"
 <bis...@sltnet.lk>, devapr...@gmail.com

 Cc: "'Geetha De Chickera'" <dechi...@yahoo.com>

 Date: Wednesday, 12 November, 2014, 16:59

 To Lakshan Dias, Attorney at Law:

 Thanks for that.

 However, I suggest some additional thought be given to ANY
 initiative at ANY time in this process that seeks to go
 after the Anglican Church.  It is a matter of simple
 fact that this initiative was begun by an Anglican Priest
 and has had significant support from his colleagues.  I
 also do remember people such as Bishop Lakdasa de Mel
 (during the 1971 insurgency) and Lakshman Wickremesinghe
 during that of the late 1980's who spoke up in defence of
 human rights when it might well have placed them in
 significant jeopardy for having done so.

 Indulging in "religion-bashing" is what many of us have
 stood against recently with the attacks on Christian
 churches of several denominations and Islam in general and I
 don't see any "strategy" that smacks of that kind of
 behavior being appropriate in this endeavour.
 Emil van der Poorten

 P.S.
 While I do count friends in many religious denominations, I
 have no religious affiliation.



 -----Original Message-----
 From: lakshan Dias [mailto:laksh...@yahoo.co.uk]

 Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 12:01 PM
 To: 'Andrew Devadason'; 'Velusamy Weerasingham';

 'Selvanathan Selvan'; 'Sudarshana Anojan'; estate-commun...@googlegroups.com;
 'Evangelyn Perera'; 'Jude Thavarajah'; 'Jude Ratnam';
 'Jeanne Samuel'; 'Rienzie Perera'; 'Annathaie Abayaskera';
 'M Sathivel'; 'Vamadevan Meyan'; 'Chandra Schaffter';
 'Chandrabose'; 'Ramesh Ramasamy'; laksh...@yahoo.com;

 'Surein Gunasekera'; 'Noel Sylvester'; 'Binnu Jeevarajan';
 'Miss. Sriyanganie Fernando'; devapr...@gmail.com;
 Emil van der Poorten
 Cc: 'Geetha De Chickera'

[Andrew Devadason]

Forwarding this mail 

Dear Fr. Andrew, 

17th is good for me as I leave for Jaffna on the 18th and back on the 20th. You may not be able to get everyone on the day you select but you have to go ahead to make a start.

Blessings

Jeanne

Sent from my iPad

[Cathedral Institute Diocese of Colombo]

17th or 19th ok except 18th,

Thanks,

Sincerely,
Bala

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[Emil van der Poorten]

Unfortunately, Colombo meetings are not a possibility for me.

Emil van der Poorten

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear All

The meeting is scheduled as follows

Date: 19th Wedenesday

Time  : 4:30PM

Venue : Bishop's Committee room,  Anglican Cathedral, 368, Baudhaloka M/W (Adjoining BMICH) Colombo -07

I am glad to note that Dr. Pakiyasothy Saravanamuthu confirmed the participation of the CPA.

I also request you to bring in your contacts who can make an impact. We need inter religious participation.

With blessings

Andrew

On 11 November 2014 21:48, Andrew Devadason <andre...@gmail.com> wrote:

--

Rev. Fr. Andrew Devadason, MA

Church of Ceylon (The Anglican Church), Diocese of Colombo.

[Cathedral Institute Diocese of Colombo]

Mail noted and will be there for the meeting,

In+

Bala

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[Emil van der Poorten]

May I say how sorry I am that I am unable to be there and to wish all of the participants the success that this initiatives deserves and needs!

[Andrew Devadason]

forwarding this message

Dear Fr. Andrew,
While i support whole heartedly   for this we should me mindful to focus  our selves on the
mandate we are meeting for. 
By the way just a reminder that 19th Nov at 4.00 pm is we will hv NCC Exco meeting and i am not
sure whether Bishop Dilo will join you. Pls excuse me too as i need to be on the Exco meeting
May God Bless you,
Suren. 

On 13 November 2014 15:58, Sudarshana Anojan <sano...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank u all for ur initiative. I am happy to dedicate myself to the course, especially mobilizing community groups at the grassroot level. Unfortunately I will be in North next week. If there is any way I can join through skype, I will be there virtually on Wednesday.

Thank u all

Sudarshana Anojan

On 13 Nov 2014 15:09, "Binnu Jeevarajan" <binnu...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Received and noted Father. I'l be there. Binnu.

 

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• Print documents only if required and important
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---

Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 14:27:35 +0530

Subject: Re: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace

From: andre...@gmail.com
To: weeras...@gmail.com; sdps...@gmail.com; sano...@gmail.com; estate-commun...@googlegroups.com; yog...@yahoo.com; Jude_Th...@wvi.org; jude_...@hotmail.com; jeanne...@gmail.com; rien...@gmail.com; anna...@gmail.com; sath...@yahoo.com; mvama...@gmail.com; cha...@janashakthi.com; asbo...@hotmail.com; ramna...@yahoo.com; laksh...@yahoo.com; spac...@sltnet.lk; Noel_Sy...@wvi.org; binnu...@hotmail.com; emi...@sltnet.lk; bis...@sltnet.lk; devapr...@gmail.com; laksh...@yahoo.co.uk; f.uvas...@yahoo.com; frmi...@gmail.com; spnes...@gmail.com; joel.ja...@gmail.com
CC: dechi...@yahoo.com

[Andrew Devadason]

Forwarded mesg

Dear father thank you for your message, it is true, we are ready to
stand with you about the issues on behalf of the Plantation community
we need to work in a time.This is the time we want to stand for
Justice for our people,

in future we can't defendant on Trade Unions, therefore we want to
form a Civil society Movement with all the people those who are fully
committed for the liberation for our people,

With the Prayer

Rev.S.Devadasan
Methodist Church
Circuit Minister of Nuwara-Eliya Circuit &
                                                Secretary and Convener
of Estate Communities Empowerment Mission of MCSL

[Emil van der Poorten]

When are we going to see a formal statement from the Anglican Bishops of Kurunegala and Colombo on this issue?

Emil van der Poorten

[skcltd]

I endorse Mr.Emils views.Regards.Israel Paulraj

 

From: estate-commun...@googlegroups.com [mailto:estate-commun...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Andrew Devadason
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2014 2:28 PM
To: Velusamy Weerasingham; Selvanathan Selvan; Sudarshana Anojan; estate-commun...@googlegroups.com; Evangelyn Perera; Jude Thavarajah; Jude Ratnam; Jeanne Samuel; Rienzie Perera; Annathaie Abayaskera; M Sathivel; Vamadevan Meyan; Chandra Schaffter; Chandrabose; Ramesh Ramasamy; laksh...@yahoo.com; Surein Gunasekera; Noel Sylvester; Binnu Jeevarajan; Emil van der Poorten; Miss. Sriyanganie Fernando; devapr...@gmail.com; lakshan Dias; f.uvas...@yahoo.com; frmi...@gmail.com; Philip Nesakumar; joel Jackson
Cc: Geetha De Chickera
Subject: Re: Koslanda tragedy - The way forward for the souls to rest in peace

 

Dear All

[Emil van der Poorten]

Thank you for that, Israel, it's nice to know that I am not in a small minority opposed to anything that might resemble promotes bigotry,prejudice and xenophobia!

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear Dr. Rienzie

Date of the meeting : 19th Wednesday at 4:30 PM

Bishop's committtee room

Tks Fr.

Andrew

Dear Fr. Andrew,
Further to our conversation on this issue I endorse what you propose.
However, we need to have as far as possible correct information and
data. Whatever we say or do must be based on such facts. There are
risks involved in action of this nature but context demands such
action. We need to speak for those missing or dead and also speak to
the powers that be and say stop playing politics of opportunism!
When you fix the date and time for the Colombo meeting please let me know.
Fr. Rienzie

On 13 November 2014 19:15, Andrew Devadason <andre...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Andrew Devadason]

I am glad to state that the bishop of Colombo expressed his full support for our efforts.

Andrew

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear all.

I really appreciated this initiative that father Andrew started. This kind of lobbying and advocacy work  highly important to create a national and international dialogue on  our plantation community peoples issue.

i am also like to add few thinks that include this declaration

• Create Administrative division based on the population and language
  
• Accept that this community marginalize and excluded from the state for a long time and special ( positive discrimination )  provision for plantation community to mainstreaming administrative, planting  and other government service. ( apart from teacher and GS)
  
• Land distribution should distribute under national law or act ( 40 perches for one family)
  
• Housing and other all service should come under national ministry and provincial ( postal. address, health, road development, women and children )
  
• All planning and implementation should get full participation from plantation community
  

Also i won't be able to participate on 19th . but i will connect until 19 for any communication.

 

Regards,

 

Weerasingham

Conflict sensitivity and gender equality specialist,

[Andrew Devadason]

Dear Fr. Michael 

The meeting is on Wednesday 19th at 4:30 PM

Venue : Bishop's committee room,  Anglican Cathedaral (by the side of the BMICH) Baudhaloka m/w Colombo -07

Thanks father your support

Andrew

i am also forwarding the mail from Fr. Michael who is working for the plantation community in the Catholic church.

Dear Rev.Andrew

Thanks for the call and the trust you have placed on me...Each one of us is in HIS HAND....It is He who finally to be Glorified.

Since I met you for the 1st time at a forum,I have guessed that you are blessed by the LORD...and with the knowledge and skills on this matter you with the blessing of your superiors you could powerfully get involved in this mission.

Please count on me,whenever I can I will certainly join you for this worthy cause.Please keep up the good work for the Lord and His people.

Now, to the matter. I will be more than willing to be a part when it happens.

My only concern and caution is that we should be sincere in our mission and efforts for the cause of the Plantation People is so HUGE...

200 years of wrong decisions and issues can not be solved within a few years. While keeping this mind let us try to envelop all the ideas and contributions of all the like minded people interested in this Great Cause and do our best. 

Hope no one will have any hidden agendas and strings connected to the effort.Let us be cautious about things around us.

We should not allow the Meeriyabeddha incident to go waste.It should be fully utilized to highlight the issues of the P P for the last 200 years in this country and to lobby with other stakeholders to the Government so that Justice is done-not only for this particular issue BUT also in the field of Education,Housing,land ownership,Health,Alcohol ,domestic violence school drop outs,spending on wrong priorities,budgeting,house hold management,Right Living according to their own religious values.  Sorry the list is getting long...That tells us the ground reality of OUR People.

The main reason for most of the issues sighted above is the ground situation on estates and the local govt authority and facilities not flowing into the estates just as it does flow into the villages.

Plantations are a country within a country, What a contrast?

Pardon me for my emotions...Hope we will also get the Blessings from our Bishops for our sincere efforts.

Hope to see you on Mon.in Col.

May the Lord of Justice and Peace bless our people !

fr.mike raj.

On 14 November 2014 16:10, Andrew Devadason <andre...@gmail.com> wrote: