Endless Inequality: The Rights of Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka

The Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka who toil in the plantations and make a huge contribution to the economy of the country by their blood and sweat, are the very people who remain the poorest community in the island. They faced numerous problems such as economic deprivation, social neglect and political abuse in the 19th and 20th centuries. Legislative measures soon after Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948 made them stateless and thereafter the community suffered continuous discrimination. The discriminatory measures relate to their civil and political rights. They also suffered discrimination in the areas of employment, education, housing, health, industrial relations, language and trade. Special administrative measures and targeted legislation has been used for the purpose of denying the Plantation Tamils their basic rights that would enable them to lead a normal life with dignity. As a result, the community is afflicted by poverty, ill-health, illiteracy and unemployment in the 21st Century.This book examines the laws, regulations and administrative action that affect the Plantation Tamils in Sri Lanka, mainly relating to citizenship, franchise and language rights. Political events connected with the enactment of the laws are also referred to in the book. Brief accounts on education, health and housing, land reform and trade union rights have also been included.