Joining Hands Against Hunger
NEWSLETTER
Fourth Edition, September 2007

Sri Lanka

It is an exciting time for Praja Abhilasha, as we have continuously been searching for ways to move to the next level and become involved in campaigns. Now that we have found interest and determination, we are hopeful for what the future holds.

by Chenoa Stock
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Profile JH partner network Praja Abhilasha

Profile JH Companionship Facilitator Chenoa Stock

Book Launching and Globalization Training Workshop

Praja Abhilasha proudly announces the translating and publishing of the book, Globlalization and Its Discontents, by Joseph Stiglitz, into the Sinhala language. This book was chosen by the Steering Committee when Praja Abhilasha was first formed in 2005, as they felt it had potential to bring great awareness and discussed key factors of globalization, with which many of its partner organizations struggle. The book launching was held September 10th, 2007, in Colombo, and was attended by representatives and friends of Praja Abhilasha.

Globalization Training Workshop in Malabe

The launching was followed by a Globalization Training Workshop for selected members of the organizations. This workshop was held for the purpose of educating the participants more deeply about globalization and providing them with a greater understanding of the impact of globalization on Sri Lanka, specifically in the labour, fishery, and plantation/farming sectors. Key resource people from each sector spoke to the participants about the sector’s issues.

 

Highlights of the Globalization Workshop

Mr. S.H.A. Mohamad on the Labor Sector:

The labour sector in Sri Lanka faces similar difficulties and situations of other countries. There is pressure for companies to compete by reducing production and labour costs, which creates low wages, few social benefits, and poor working conditions. These workers also face the threat of being replaced by machines. When companies are privatized, the government has less power and influence over them, therefore the government is less willing and able to help the labourers in those companies. There are even times when they deliberately oppress unions, for fear of scaring investors. Globalization is a process that cannot be reversed, but must be shaped. Action must be mobilized from the village level and should come out of a traditional process.

Mr. Herman Kumara on the Fisheries Sector:

Traditional fishermen now face great difficulties in their livelihoods, as multi-national companies have entered and introduced mechanization to the area. Different methods have been introduced, which makes it impossible for them to continue small scale fishing methods. Though these methods do increase production, no attention is given to the unequal distribution of the harvest or the destruction of the shore and environment. The government now has a plan to increase the catch, as that will increase investments. Due to this monetary motivation, they encourage deep see fishing, which is more technical and destructive, as opposed to the traditional shore fishing. Joint ventures with foreign investors have occurred and imports of fish have increased, neglecting the fact that the same fish can be caught and distributed within the country. The fish are bought and sold by these investors at unreasonable prices and displaces the fishermen in the marketing process. The recent increase in fuel prices is an injustice to fishermen, as the prices are now unaffordable by most of them. Fishermen are forced to leave their traditional jobs and become workers for multi-national companies. But if fishermen can be organized, then the buying and selling of the fish market can also be organized and profitable for them again.

Mr. Linus Jayathileke on the Agricultural Sector:

Globalization suppresses food producers and affects their daily life. They become dependent and are vessels for these companies. He spoke of milk production as an example. Large milk companies are able to buy milk from producers at low prices, which are never enough to sustain the producers. The estate and farmers, many of whom have never owned land, have based their entire lives around cultivation, yet the multi-national companies enter and exploit them and their livelihoods. When natural disasters occur, the government easily takes the land of the poor people. This can be seen in the example of the tsunami and fishermen and farmers, but also in the landslides of the upcountry people. The government has not provided solutions for these disasters, but continues to allow foreigners to enter, take, and destroy the land. The problem cannot be solved without focusing on the land and its restoration. The people who know the land should be able to live and work on it. Globalization has destroyed the natural resources and all ancestral cultivation, therefore action should be taken to introduce policies for soil conservation and improving the Earth, so natural ways are able to develop and thrive. He stated that the effects of globalization do not seep down to poor people and is a form of “savage” capitalism. If people were given the land for their own source of cultivation, as opposed to larger companies taking it, self-sufficiency in life and food could occur, as would the restoration of the Earth.

Small group discussions at the Globalization Training Workshop

These presentations were then followed by small group discussions about what had been learned and alternatives to these issues. The primary goal of the workshop was to create a module for a similar Globalization Workshop, which the participants could use to carry out in their own regions. After much small and large group discussions, the foundation of the module was created. When the final details are completed, each organization will be responsible for carrying out two workshops in their area throughout the upcoming months.

Herman Kumara of NAFSO, Convener organizer of the protest at the Ministry of Fisheries

 

The workshop concluded with a protest, which was coordinated by NAFSO (a Praja Abhilasha partner), at the Ministry of Fisheries. It was a continuation of the past protests, concerning the increase in fuel prices and illegal fishing methods which continue to exist in the Sri Lankan waters. All of the participants drove to the protest to show their support. It ended soon after our arrival, but the discussion with the Ministers had been positive, so we left with a sense of hope, emanating both from our successful workshop and the protest.

 

 

 

Protest at the Ministry of Fisheries in Colombo

Land Rights Campaign

More recently, a land rights discussion was held by member organizations of Praja Abhilasha. This was designed to give people who are dealing with infractions of land rights a chance to share their stories with each other. Some face issues resulting from the tsunami and war, others are upcountry estate workers, who have never claimed land rights since their arrival 200 years ago. The participants represented families from many districts around Sri Lanka. Similar stories were heard from each participant.

Those who have been displaced by war and the tsunami spoke of the similar horrendous situations of the refugee and resettlement camps and how difficult it is to receive land. Many have obtained deeds for a house, but are unable to afford land on which to build. Others have land, but are unable to get a deed. Some spoke of receiving fake deeds, therefore never obtaining the land they rightfully deserve. The government continues to create obstacle courses for these people to go through in order to receive land. Officials claim they cannot provide deeds until the families resettle, which is impossible without having land. They state that families need proof that it is their land, or they will not receive it, even though some families have lived on the same land for generations without these documents. The authorities have also been known to destroy land and use it for tourism zones, though the land belongs to the people.

Plantation workers face a different battle. These laborers have been deprived of their own land since they were brought to Sri Lanka in 1827, and the government has never given money or land throughout this time. They live in grim housing situations and have no way of approaching the government to assert their voice.

After these discussions, the participants realized that all of these peoples’ stories share common threads. Many were unaware of the other’s situations and were encouraged that they were not alone in the struggle. It was decided to form a group, of which Praja Abhilasha will be the central organizing core. This group will come together to organize a common campaign regarding the land issues of Sri Lanka, which includes everyone. Now that the stories have been shared, future meetings will be held to create an action plan and get others involved.

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