History of Malaiyaga Tamils

22 August 2023 01:20 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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An exhibition was held at the Public Library today on the history and arrival of the Malaiyaga Tamils (Up-country). Many Malaiyaha Tamils undertook a pilgrimage from Thalaimannar to Matale, retracing the difficult journey their ancestors had taken when they first arrived in Sri Lanka 200 years ago, when the British looked to South India to source workers for the thriving coffee plantations in Sri Lanka. Over the years, thousands of workers were shipped from India to Sri Lanka. They landed in Mannar and were made to trek on foot to Matale. The groups had to brave jungles, life-threatening diseases and wild animals, often resulting in numerous deaths. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Comments - 12

Windrusher Tuesday, 22 August 2023 05:46 PM

The Estate Tamils came two centuries ago. They are not recognised as Sri Lankans. Poor living conditions and jobs. No university education. The wind rush West Indians came about 75 years ago. They are fully British in all avenues. Thanks to British justice.

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Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 22 August 2023 11:57 PM

They were given Sri Lankan citizenship and have their own political party .so what are you taking about?

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The Truth! Wednesday, 23 August 2023 01:35 AM

Very true. That is why UK is a first world nation and SriLanka is a third world country! It will never change for another century with the current politicians. Don't have any high hopes.

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Kumar Soysa Wednesday, 23 August 2023 02:47 AM

This has nothing to do with the British, who left Ceylon in 1948. We had 75 years to enfranchise them or send them back to India with a bronze handshake if not a golden one. Instead, we went on to make their life even more deplorable. Until we learn to be responsible for every soul who live and work for us, we will never prosper.

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SCRanjithA Wednesday, 23 August 2023 09:43 AM

While agree partially what had been stated, @Windrusher,- should be informed that Upcountry Tamils are recognized as Sri Lankan and many have been entering the Universities based on the Island-wide competitive exams. Many graduates are holding positions in the state sector and in the medical field. Of course they have Voting rights as well since 1980's.

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Manel Fonseka Wednesday, 23 August 2023 12:15 AM

Dont miss this exhibition!

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Ruwan Wednesday, 23 August 2023 02:16 AM

People exploited by the British for financial gain, even after the British left they were at mercy of majority community. They even lost voting rights after SL gained independence. They have to be seen as equal and injustice of the past corrected.

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Kumara Wednesday, 23 August 2023 04:10 AM

Sinhala South must change its attitude towards their fellow Sri Lankan citizens in the north, east and the hill country. For this to become reality, the politicians must stop whipping up racial tensions for party political advantage. You will then see a prosperous Sri Lanka-See how Singaporeans are living with peace and prosperity.

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Sambo Wednesday, 23 August 2023 08:42 AM

Our politicians only strive for their vote and after they are treated as non human beings. Very sad.

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Daya Wednesday, 23 August 2023 09:53 AM

Will Sri Lanka take Mauritius as an example on Estate Tamils. Mauritius government had set up a wonderful museum in the port premises showcasing the plight of sufferings during their long travel etc., Further, they are very well integrated into the society and today they are most successful and happiest Tamil people. In Sri Lanka, the Estate Tamils are only used to earn invaluable foreign exchange and successive governments never bothered about their life standards. Very good example, the recent incident happened in Elkaduwa plantation, where the Superintendents, Managers take advantage of the plight of this poor people and abuse them. This may never change, until a system change in government and strict implementation of laws and both are in question mark, in Sri Lanka.

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Dakuneyaka Wednesday, 23 August 2023 11:11 AM

The strategy of the British was to deny the last stronghold of the Sinhalese by placing South Indian foreigners there. HW Cave in his book records streams of Tamil coolies being brought to the up country " for wage of 2 Pence a month which was better than the Hell in India". It was the poor sinhala Villages who cared for these unfortunates on their trek as Brohier records. British never cared for them

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Observer of history Wednesday, 23 August 2023 11:50 AM

@ Dakuneyaka - the British had to bring the South Indians who happened to speak Tamil language due to labour shortage in coffee estates. The Sinhala villagers were not willing to work in these estates.

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