Sri Lanka's Plantation Workers: A Struggle for Hope and Change

Muthuthevarkittan Manohari, a Sri Lankan plantation worker, remains skeptical about promises from political candidates ahead of the presidential election. For over 200 years, plantation workers, descendants of Indian indentured laborers, have lived in poverty and marginalization. Despite minor improvements, promises of better living conditions and land ownership are often left unfulfilled.

Muthuthevarkittan Manohari, a Sri Lankan plantation worker, faces daily challenges providing for her family. As the presidential election approaches, she feels little optimism that the promises of land and better living conditions will materialize.

For centuries, the plantation workers, descendants of Indian laborers brought by the British, have lived in dire poverty, with limited access to education and medical facilities. Despite being a significant voting bloc, their needs are often unmet post-elections.

While some improvements and wage increases have been made, many live in substandard conditions. Promises more often than not remain unfulfilled, leaving workers like Manohari without hope for real change.

(With inputs from agencies.)