ECS - Meeting in Kandy - 15th April at 10AM - Christ Church, Kandy

[Andrew Devadason]

 Dear Friends

 

It has been a long time since we interacted last. Therefore let me start with a quote ,  Abraham Lincoln said that, If I have 09 hours to cut down a tree, I would spend 06 hours in sharpening the axe” (Today he would have said that I would spent 06 hours in planting new trees…) This indeed had been the spirit and the chemistry of our actions. We have always used the powerful tool of silent action in achieving the ultimate goal. The time now has come to let you know the impact that some our silent actions have brought about.

 

 National Plan of Action (NPA)

The NPA for the plantation community was first initiated by then President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaranatunga which was published in 2006.This is a comprehensive plan towards the socio, political and economic development of the plantation community. However it was shelved off by the previous regime. The ECSN continued to lobby towards the implementation of the same silently. 

 

The current government has now decided to launch the NPA with a 05 year plan. The total outlay is 98,000 million. The components covered are, 1. Housing and infrastructure (about 80%) 2)Preschool education 3)Secondary education 4) Health 5) Vocational training and skills development 6) Empowerment .

 

The NPA was launched on the 10^th of March , the ECSN convener Rev. Fr. Andrew Devadason was invited. He has been now nominated by the ministry to represent a “Think tank” in the implementation process. NPA is now implemented through the ministry of Hill country, new villages, and infrastructure development. We are grateful to the minister Hon. Thigambaram for his political will to take this forward. A sincere desire is now seen at the ministry and with the subject minister. They need the support of the civil societies.

 

Seeking a Strong Voice

In nurturing a strong voice for the plantation community, ECSN had some private discussions with the JVP leader and the chief opposition whip Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake.  When we refer to the recent electronic and non-electronic media, we are glad that our silent efforts have made some impact.

 

Change of the Pradeshya Saba law

The draft bill is already at the parliament. Minister Thigambaram is keen to push it forward.

 

Forward

We have planned a meeting on the 15th at Christ Church, Yattinuwara Veediya, Kandy (Close to the Army camp)  at 10AM. Please confirm your participation.

 

 Mrs. Yoga Perera

(Secretary)

 

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*Rev. Fr. Andrew Devadason, MA*
*Church of Ceylon (The Anglican Church), Diocese of Colombo.*
*Vicar / Incumbent, St. Marks Church Badulla with *






*Christ Church Demodara," Be a Partner: Give Hope to the Estate 
Community"CALL : 0552225049 / 0776764251St. Marks Church, Badulla, Sri
Lanka*

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