• Plantation workers, brought from India by the British in the 19th century, mark 200 years since arriving in Sri Lanka

Tea drinking is a cherished ritual among Sri Lankans; it is a source of comfort and relaxation, providing a way to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. Tea is not just a beverage but a symbol of hospitality, as it is often offered to guests as a warm welcome. Ceylon Tea, a pride of the nation, contributes significantly to foreign income. While we enjoy the delicious taste of tea, we often fail to notice the hardships endured by a group of Sri Lankans who are stuck in a labour-intensive process that has been ongoing for centuries.

200 years of Malaiyaga Tamils

This week, Sri Lanka marks an important event related to the hard work behind tea production. The plantation workers, who are descendants of Indian Tamils brought by the British in the 19th century, are commemorating their 200th anniversary since arriving in Sri Lanka. The plantation community is organising various celebrations, which often go unnoticed by those who enjoy the everyday pleasures of a cup of tea.

Indian Tamils, also referred to as Hill Country Tamils or Malaiyaga Tamils, are the descendants of South Indian labourers brought to Sri Lanka during the 19th and 20th centuries to work on plantations. They predominantly reside in the central highlands and urban areas, with some living in the Northern Province. Originating from lower working castes in South India, these people continue to face the adverse consequences of discrimination, indicating a failure on Sri Lanka’s part to extend the same hospitality and comfort that their tea production offers. Despite their significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s plantation sector economy, Hill Country Tamils generally experience lower socio-economic standards compared to the national average, rendering them one of the most marginalised and impoverished groups in the country. Consequently, the plantation workers in Sri Lanka remain trapped in impoverished living conditions, enduring numerous damaging social, cultural, and psychological consequences.

Poor living standards 

According to media reports, 169,000 plantation workers still live in the 10-foot rooms built by the British 150 years ago. Plantation workers residing in line rooms experience poor living conditions due to overcrowded spaces, lack of basic needs, limited access to suitable learning environments, and inadequate access to essential services. They are commonly described as dark and poorly ventilated, with limited or no access to natural light and fresh air due to the absence of windows. This results in inadequate airflow, which can contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and a higher risk of infections. These conditions hinder their socioeconomic progress and opportunities for education and employment.

Improving their quality of life requires providing better housing, basic amenities, and improved educational and healthcare facilities. The challenging living conditions in these line rooms also give rise to various psychological issues. Cramped and overcrowded spaces, lack of privacy, absence of natural light and ventilation, and limited access to open spaces contribute to many mental health issues. Inadequate living conditions, combined with a sense of injustice and social marginalisation, can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and a diminished sense of dignity. Difficulties in studying, limited educational opportunities, and lack of access to healthcare services may also contribute to feelings of hopelessness, low self-worth, and heightened levels of stress and anxiety.  

Poor literacy

The poor literacy rate among the Sri Lankan plantation workers, estimated at around 70% compared to the national average of 92%, has significant psychological consequences. It leads to reduced self-confidence, limited personal growth opportunities, decreased empowerment and self-advocacy, social exclusion, and difficulties accessing information and resources.

As evident, low literacy rates have far-reaching consequences on the lives of this community. The inability to read and write effectively hinders their ability to advocate for themselves, voice their needs, and actively participate in decision-making processes, leading to a sense of powerlessness and dependency on others. Additionally, illiteracy contributes to social exclusion and isolation, as communication and engagement become more challenging, leaving the plantation workers feeling disconnected and impacting their overall mental well-being. Moreover, limited access to information and resources due to low literacy further exacerbates socio-economic disparities, hindering their ability to make informed choices and access crucial services. Addressing these issues is vital to empower them and promote their wellbeing.

Alcohol usage among women

Alcohol use is a major problem among plantation workers in Sri Lanka due to many reasons, including poverty, low living standards and trauma. Research conducted on the prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption among female estate labourers by H.W.S.R. Rambukwella and D.S. Dissanayake, published in the Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine in 2018, highlights the prevalence and unique characteristics of alcohol consumption among female estate labourers in the Kotmale region. The study revealed that the prevalence of alcohol consumption among female estate labourers in this area is 31.25%, which is higher than the national average. 

The socio-cultural background, economic wealth, and increasing literacy levels among women in Sri Lanka have contributed to lower levels of alcohol consumption among women compared to other regions. However, certain communities in Sri Lanka, including the estate sector, have reported higher rates of alcohol consumption among females. The paper also explores how this poses a significant concern as mothers’ behaviour, being influential in family upbringing, can adversely affect the health and social welfare of the family. The use of alcohol among females in this area may contribute to poor health indicators, including low life expectancy and higher maternal and infant mortality. It is crucial to monitor the extent and patterns of alcohol consumption in this population to address these health issues effectively.

Discrimination

It has been reported over and over how plantation workers have faced unfair treatment and discrimination throughout history. They have been discriminated against based on their ethnicity, language, and cultural background. They have limited representation in politics and often struggle to access land, housing, and basic amenities. They receive lower wages compared to workers in other industries and have limited access to quality education. These inequalities are unjust and prevent them from fully participating in society and improving their living conditions.

Addressing discrimination is crucial for safeguarding the mental health and well-being of plantation workers. Discrimination can erode their sense of belonging and identity, leading to a loss of self-esteem. It may also contribute to a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness. Over time, these psychological effects can hurt their mental well-being, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

Although the Hill Country Tamils have made a valuable contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy, they still encounter many difficulties. It is essential to address these problems to uplift the plantation workers, enhance their living conditions, and promote their mental well-being and overall quality of life. By acknowledging and supporting the rights and needs of this marginalised community, Sri Lanka can strive for a fairer and more inclusive society that benefits all its citizens.

(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 10 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)