Home Partners  
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI)
National Association for Trade Union Research and Education (NATURE)
Power Foundation (PF)
Rural Development Foundation (RDF)
Lanka Agriculturist Association (LAA)
Confederation of Public Service Independent Trade Unions (COPSITU)
Social, Economic & Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO)
Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA)
Raajjiee Foundation
TI Maldives (TI)
Secretariate of the National Alliance for Peace (SNAP)
South Asia Peace Institute (SAPI) 
Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS)
Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA)
   
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) UP

The Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) was established in 1974 as the community education project of the Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) under the terms of the Sri Lanka Foundation Law No. 31 of 1973.

Sri Lanka Foundation functions under the presidential secretariat and is managed by a governing board appointed by Her Excellency the President of Sri Lanka.



Aims and objectives of the foundation are:-

  • To promote an understanding of and belief in the democratic way of life and the protection of human rights

  • To promote international co-operation with respect to human rights and fundamental freedoms to all

  • To encourage and promote education and acquisition and diffusion of knowledge among the masses in all branches of knowledge and social progress by strengthening the institutional capacity to nurture a peaceful, democratic and progressive society.



During the early stages, the Institute concentrated its efforts in two main areas of activity, namely, workers education and community development. Later its scope of activity expanded and now SLFI conducts educational programmes under 3 strategic areas:

  1. Human Rights

  2. Industrial Relations

  3. Good Governance

Under the 3 strategic areas, SLFI has organised training programmes & workshops on topics such as Gender Justice, National Integration, Peace and Democracy, Leadership, Governance and Management, Opportunities on the internet and E-Governance etc. SLFI also designs educational programmes on request. In organizing educational activities SLFI networks with government organisations, NGO's, and private institutions.

Sri Lanka Foundation Commission on Democracy and Human Rights is the other project of the Sri Lanka Foundation. The Commission focuses its attention on three areas:


  • Human rights and peace education

  • Research on human rights and democracy

  • In points into drafting policy

Research is carried out by the academic staff on related issues with assistance of the SLF Commission on Democracy and Human rights. Dissemination of research articles will be through the journal, SLFI Forum. The internship programme of SLFI provides on-the-job training opportunities for outstanding performers at the GCE (A/L) and recent graduates and the annual research fellowship is offered with the assistance of FES.

The Institute has a modest, but modern library accessible to all participants in the fields of Adult Education, Social Sciences, Media and Democracy, which are major areas of SLFI activities. The uniqueness of this library is its SAARC documentation section, which is the second of its kind in the SAARC region. The library also has CDS/ISIS catalogue facilities and access to the internet.

Under the public lecture series two public lectures per month are held on current issues.

SLFI also conducts diploma programmes on journalism & communication, leadership and organizational management, governance and public policy, counselling, teaching of English and has planned few more programmes at regional level in the near future.

Language training courses for professionals are conducted in Tamil and English Languages.

SLFI in collaboration with the National Council of Swedish Youth Organizations has launched a three year project titled 'Democratic Youth Leadership Programme' to promote the development of organizational and institutional capacity in the youth field.

SLFI has a total staff of 89. SLFI also hires out its facilities like lecture halls, accommodation, audio-visual aids and catering services etc.

Address:
No.100, Independence Square, Colombo 7 - Sri Lanka.
Tel.:  00 941 2691814/ 2695249
Fax.: 00 941 2679686
E-Mail: slfi_director@eureka.lk


National Association for Trade Union Research and Education (NATURE) UP

ORIGIN
In 1997 trade unions associated with educational programmes conducted by FES Colombo office took a decision to form themselves into an organization to promote worker education and training on a joint basis. A loosely knit organization styled "Trade Union Education Co-ordinating Committee" (TUECC) came into being as a result on 31st March, 1997. A year later, encouraged by the success achieved by the TUECC in bringing together 16 major trade unions to work jointly in the field of labour education, a further step was taken to reinforce the unity achieved and give it a more solid foundation. Thus TUECC gave birth to NATURE (The National Association for Trade Union Research & Education). The inaugural meeting of NATURE was held on 10th July 1998 at the Ceylon Estate Staff's Union auditorium.

 Objectives

  1. The promotion, encouragement and adoption of an integrated approach to trade union education and research

  2. The encouragement, promotion acquisition and diffusion of knowledge among trade unions and their members pertaining to all branches of work-life and social programmes.

  3. The promotion of international understanding and co-operation in on observance trade union rights and fundamental freedoms.

  4. To collaborate with and enter into relations with other national and/or international organizations having same or similar objectives.

 MEMBER UNIONS OF NATURE

 01. Ceylon Worker's Congress       (CWC)
 02. Ceylon Estate's Staffs Union    (CESU)
 03. Ceylon Federation of Labour    (CFL)
 04. Ceylon Federation of Trade Union (CFTU)
 05. Ceylon Tamil Teachers' Union         (CTTU)
 06. Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya            (JSS)
 07. Joint Plantation Trade Union Center      (JPTUC)
 08. Lanka Jathika Estate Workers' Union    (LJEWU)
 09. Public Service Trade Union Federation  (PSTUF)
 10. Public Service United Nurse's Union      (PSUNU)
 11. Samastha Lanka Rajaye Lipikaru Sangamaya (SLRLS)
 12. Sri Lanka Nidhahas Rajaye Vurthiya Samithi Sammelanaya (SLNRVSS)
 13. Sri Lanka Nidhahas Sevaka Sangamaya       (SLNSS)
 14. Telecommunication Officer's Union               (TOU)
 15. Union of Post & Telecommunication Officers'  (UPTO)
 16. United Federation of Labour                           (UFL)

 Present Office Bearers
 
President                -  Palitha Atukorale
  Vice Presidents (2)  -  Harry Sandarasekara and S. Arulnandhy
  General Secretary   -  T.M.R. Rasseedin
  Deputy Secretary    -  S. Saravanapavananthan
  Treasure                 - D.C. Weerasekara

 Address:

  National Resources Centre, 225/D/1/2, Kotta Road, Colombo 8
  Telephone: 2598547 
  E-Mail: natureunions@yahoo.co.uk

Power Foundation (PF) UP

About Us
The POWER Foundation is a non-profit service oriented development organization.
It is committed to innovative, interactive and participatory development in helping the poor Plantation and rural communities in overcoming poverty and Challenges of discrimination and marginalization.


The POWER Foundation is dedicated to the uplifting of the quality of life of the Plantation poor in the Badulla District. It concentrates its efforts and resources to improve the standard of welfare of the down trodden plantation community.

History
The Power Foundation was established in 1986 initially to enlighten the plantation community and the rural sector and to help them tackle their problems. The POWER Foundation is the result of a painful thinking of the like-minded people and mainly a brainchild of its current chairman Mr. K. Velayudam. It has sailed since inception, overcoming tidal waves and many challenges of counter propaganda by adversaries.

After a long struggle the organization has been able to prove its credibility and gain recognition and acclaim from the community and the International funding agencies and donors for accomplishing a commendable task for the poor of this region. Today with widened objectives and activities The POWER Foundation is the leading local NGO in the Province.

Development Goal

To enhance socio-economic achievements and a better living environment with education and skill advancement, human dignity, recognition and collective responsibility for the plantation working community.

Objectives

  • Uplifting the socio-economic, environmental and cultural standards of the Plantation and rural communities by ensuring a decent standard of living for these plantation workers and the rural peasants.

  • Initiate, promote and develop a strengthened educational base by providing knowledge and skills training in community development.

  • To raise a collective voice through awareness programmes and to protest vehemently against violations of Human Rights, promote gender equality and formulate and implement appropriate programmes for the proper care of vulnerable poor groups of the Plantation sector.

  • To be an ever caring and responsible organization by encouraging development and training of our staff and mobilizers and to encourage commitment and pride in each other.

  • To cooperate with our implementing partners and funding agencies in promoting the welfare of rural poor.

  • To remain a responsible and reorganized member of the society by promoting an environment where not only the needs of these local community are met, but also the needs of the global society are met now and in future.

  • To remain non-partisan in all social, racial, political, ethnic and religious matters.

  • To act at all times with honesty, transparency and integrity and within legal and regulatory requirements.



Values
To continue to initiate, develop and sustain community programmes, provide services through an innovative and participatory approach whilst helping the plantation communities in overcoming poverty and challengers of discrimination and maginalization by: -

  • Offering support and assistance to all communities in the Plantation sector regardless of creed religion caste and ethnic affiliations.

  • To introduce and promote concepts of community participation to the Plantation sector.

  • To be effective and efficient in initiating and developing community programmes, and attracting more partners to work along side so as to ensure continued salvation and development of these sectors.

Culture

We aim at continuous improvement of service providing which is performance related through a strongly empowered work force through a well, self managed team of staff, social mobilizers and volunteers who work for these communities with pride and great humility.

Mission

To be the voice of the poor and create awareness, promote and uplift the well-being of the rural and the plantation poor through initiating and developing socio economic activities for sustainable development, through an innovative and participatory approach in order to achieve and enhance economic standards, empowerment, Human dignity, ethnic harmony, equality and peace.

Our Involvement

  • Entrepreneurship Programmes
           º Trainings
           º Development advises

  • Credit and IGP programmes
           º Revolving loans
           º Education loans
           º Income generating loans

  • Awareness and social mobilization

  • Empowerment
           º  Special women programmes
           º  Income generating projects

  • Gender Sensitization and women development

  • Environment protection and promotion
           º Tree Planting
           º Composed manure
           º Water and Sanitation
           º Garbage Pits
           º Housing
           º Awareness

  • Human Rights
           º Basic human rights
           º Women's rights
           º Child Rights
           º Worker's Rights
           º Basic Civil Values

  • Skills training and development
           º Computer , Photography
           º Sewing, Green House
           º Handy Craft, Catering
           º Beauty Culture, Wall Painting
           º Screen Printing, Animal Husbandry
           º Patchwork, Masonry

  • Youth development
           º Career Guidance
           º Entrepreneurship Development
           º Credit Facility
           º Sports
           º Integration Youth Camps

  • Ethnic Integration
           º Integration camps
           º Youth camps
           º Cultural exchange
           º Conflict resolution

  • Education
          & Pre- school
          & Supportive Classes
          & Language Classes
          & Awareness on school retention methods

  • Social welfare
          º Mobile health clinics
          º Elders care
          º Youth activities
          º Nutritional programmes
          º Donations

  • Trainings/Courses/Seminars and Workshops

          º Non-violent conflict Resolution
          º Community development
          º Human rights
          º Gender sensitization
          º Occupational safety and health
          º Leadership development
          º Micro-credit
          º Worker right

  • Today's Focus

          º Awareness creation and leadership development skills
          º Skills Trainings
          º Gender Programmes
          º Environmental Issues
          º Non-Violence Conflict Resolution
          º Sustainability
          º Social Integration Programmes

Future Focus

  • Advanced Skills Training

          º Advanced Computer Training
          º Advanced Business Enterprises Skills

  • Human Rights

          º Basic Human Rights
          º Women's Rights
          º Workers Rights
          º Child Rights

  • Advocacy

          º  Awareness Raising
          º  Creative actions
          º  Campaigning for recognition

  • Non Violent Conflict Resolution
    - Conflict Resolution at

          
    º Workers/employees level
          º Family level
          º Plantation level
          º Community level
          º National Level

 PROBLEMS - ADDRESSED BY POWER

  • GENERAL PROBLEMS
          º General Working Conditions          
          º Living Conditions
          º Environmental Issues                    
          º Security Issues
          º Citizenship                                   
          º Voting Rights
          º Recognition                                  
          º High Dependency
          º Mobility

  • YOUTH PROBLEMS
          º Unemployment
          º Lack of Relevant Skills
          º Security
          º Knowledge of Other Languages
          º Plantation Environment
          º Information on Labour Market Situation

  • WOMEN PROBLEMS
          º Unequal Treatment
          º Abuse
          º Discrimination
          º Recognition
          º Security
          º Language
          º Legal Literacy

 Mr. K. Velayudam
 Chairman - Power Foundation
 24, Bandaranayaka Mawatha, Badulla - Sri Lanka.
 Tel.: 074-499636,  055-2224182,  055-2232085
 E-Mail: power@mail.ewisl.net


Rural Development Foundation (RDF) UP

 

  1. History
    Rural Development Foundation (RDF) was inaugurated in the year 1984 by 14 members from the village of Periyamadhu in the administrative district of Mannar. RDF had its head quarters in its birth place of Periyamadhu itself.
    The main objective of forming this organization was to upgrade the living standards of the communities in areas of education, urgent relief assistance, economic development, social and cultural awareness and women's affairs.
    The operational areas consisted of Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullativu. But unfortunately, consequent to the ethnic conflict effecting the Muslims from the North in late 1990, a section of the target group and most of the members of the RDF were forcibly displaced and sought refugee in Puttalam district. Thereafter, as a result of this, the Puttalam district too is now included as a project implementation area.

    This voluntary service organization is registered with the Department of Social Services and also declared a "Charity" under the Inland Revenue Act by the Ministry of Finance. The Foundation is an affiliated organization with Central Council of Social Service, Sri Lanka and National NGO Council of Sri Lanka. It is a member of the Consortium Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) of Sri Lanka. In addition, it is an affiliated member of the NGO consortium in Mannar, Vavuniya and Puttalam Districts.

  2. Structure
    There are 600 members and over 7000 project members in this Foundation. The backbone of the Foundation consists of 15 elected representatives functioning as members of the Executive Committee.

  3. Vision
    A key facilitator ensuring improved standard of living for under privileged people in Northern Sri Lanka.

  4. Mission
    An organization striving to address aspirations of under privileged in collaboration with other institutions which promote social mobility.

  5. Facilities available with the organization
    1. Trained qualified and experienced personnel for planning, programming and
        implementation of activities
    2. A fully equipped Training and Resource Center
    3. Adequate transport facilities and wide acknowledgment by donors
        of effective implementation of proposed activities by the Foundation
    4. Effective financial management
    5. Grass root involvement through social mobilization of community based     organizations.

    The Rural Development Foundation has to carry out its rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes in Mannar, Vavuniya and Puttalam districts amidst conflicts between locals and the displaced, gender equity and conflict between different ethnic groups especially in Puttalam district. As a measure to overcome these constraints, the Foundation, with the assistance from the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka launched a campaign of conflict reconciliation by training 30 members of the Foundation for 10 days and this culminated as a training of trainers for the purpose. Later with the assistance
    of CIDA, with trainers so trained co-opted by AHIMSA, the Foundation conducted conflict resolution programmes with a view to enhance the capacity in peace oriented process and aptitude for counseling among:

    1. School children
    2. Community based organizations at village level
    3. Teachers
    4. Religious leaders

    The outcome was very encouraging. The constraints, faced by the Foundation in implementing rehabilitation programmes were reduced and the Foundation was able to launch separate conflict resolution and peace fostering programmes in Vavuniya, Mannar and Puttalam districts with the
    assistance of FES.





  • The Foundation's programmes assisted by FES included:
           ** Joint ethnic cultural plays
           ** Joint sharamadana campaigns
           ** Relief activities
           ** Training and counseling.

    People of all ethnic groups were afforded opportunity to mix, exchange their ideas, and reconcile conflicts which existed among them. The Foundation had taken yet another step in supporting the peace process at inter district level through a peace camp. UNICEF has indicated willingness to assist this programme.

    Thus the Foundation was able to bring children from Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala schools together in Vavuniya, Mannar and Puttalam districts through:

    1. Dialogue and discussion at group levels
    2. Cultural activities and street plays
    3. Social mingling and mutual understanding
    4. Relief activities by shramadana
    5. Poster competitions
    6. Dramas
    7. Sport activities - conducted in each district and finally with a central peace
        camp at Puttalam.

    The peace camp was patronized by school children, teachers, officers from Govt. Departments, service personnel, leading citizens, members of local authorities, members of non-governmental organizations and religious leaders from Mannar, Vavuniya and Puttalam districts. A peace march from Puttalam Town Hall along the streets of Puttalam town was held to spotlight the entire programme. This programme of fostering peace among school children brought to surface the problems faced by the different groups.

  • Supporting Organizations
    Peace building / Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation

    UNICEF
    Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
    Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
    National Peace Council (NPC)

    Capacity Development and Development Activities


    UNHCR

    UNICEF

    WFE

    Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

    OXFAM

    CARE

    FES

     


  • Activities
    Hard Sector - Providing of infrastructure facilities with donor assistance to promote health, education, community services, crop production, environmental protection, sanitation and water resource.
    Soft Sector - Providing of assistance for income generating activities through self employment, providing of training for such self employment and promotion of revolving loan fund scheme.

  • Executive Committee
    Given below is the policy making and decision taking body of the Organization:
    Mr. A.M. Faaiz - Chairman
    Mr. A.R.A. Ramees - Secretary
    Mr.N.M. Saroor - Treasurer and 12 other members

  • Director - Mr. A.C.M. Mahroof is the chief executive of Programmes in the organization

  • Programme Management Team (PMT)
    It consists of  7 members namely :
    Director Leader of the Team
    Project Coordinator  : Project Management
    Finance Coordinator : Finance Management
    Training Coordinator : Training Management
    District Coordinator  : Mannar Project implementation
    District Coordinator  : Vavuniya and supervision at the
    District Coordinator  : Puttalam district level

    All activities of RDF are being implemented under the guidance of the PMT through their staff.

  • Addresses:-

    Rural Development Foundation

    Colombo Road, Palavi - Sri Lanka, Tel./Fax.: 032-2269022/3
    E-mail: rdf-ptm@pan.lk

    Training and Resource Centre
    Rural Development Foundation, Kandy Road, Thekkawatta.
    Vavuniya. Sri Lanka. Tel/ Fax: 024-2222962
    E-mail: rdftrc@slt.lk

    Vavuniya District Office
    Rural Development Foundation, Kurumankdu,
    Vavuniya. Sri Lanka. Tel/ Fax: 024-2222671
    E-mail: rdf-vav@slt.lk

    Mannar District

    Rural Development Foundation,
    Mannar. Sri Lanka. Tel/ Fax: 023-2232375
    E-mail: rdf-man@slt.lk

    Puttalam District
    Rural Development Foundation. Colombo Road,
    Palavi. Sri Lanka.Tel/ Fax: 032-2269024
    E-mail: rdf-ptm@pan



Lanka Agriculturists Association (LAA) UP

History
Lanka Agriculturists Association (LAA) was inaugurated in the year of 1978 by 21 members from plantation and rural areas in Nuwara Eliya to enlighten the plantation community and rural sectors to integrate to help both sectors farmers (vegetable growers, cattle farmers to get their right in getting vegetable seeds, potato seeds, bank loans and the other facilities in plantation and rural peasant farmers who are cultivating on lease basis with the support of IFPAAW (International Federation of Plantation and Agriculture and Allied Workers) and CWC.

After a long struggle the organization has been able to prove it's credibility and gain recognition while providing Agro-Identity Cards for Plantation / rural farmers who are cultivating lands on lease or tenancy and got State facilities.

LAA registered under the Trade Union Ordinance, but, we have to act as Co-op, method and trade union methods to fulfill the requirements of the farmers in plantation / rural areas in Nuwara Eliya district.

LAA's Main Development Goal
To enhance socio-economic achievements and a better living condition with education and skill advancement human dignity and collective responsibility for plantation / rural working communities.

The Main Objectives of LAA

  • Strengthening unity among plantation / rural farmers

  • Uplifting the socio-economic and cultural standards among plantation / rural peasants.

  • To non-partisan in all social, racial, political, ethnic and religious matters.

  • To undertake agricultural, horticultural and other ventures, including encouragement, extension, regulation and management of farms and cultivation, which would help the country to attain self-sufficiency in food, vegetable, milk and meat and other cereal.

  • To aid help and promote co-operative activity in order to secure for the rural farmers facilities. Such as credit, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs as well as arranging for ware-housing and transport facilities and assist the farmer to market their goods

  • To promote and start village based industries or individual projects to provide employment to the under-employment and unemployed.

  • To create awareness among the youth about importancy of women participants
    in social activities.

Our Involvement / Achievements
· LAA assisted in issuing Agro Identity Cards to vegetable growers, and by doing so their names were registered as Farmers by the Government in their Agrarian Services Departments and provided necessary facilities, this was a great achievement for LAA.

· By getting these identity cards they were able to open A.S.C accounts in the Bank to obtain lower interest loans (earlier only the land owners who were having Deeds were able to obtain loans).

· LAA assisted in getting electricity supply to the workers, and the workers on a Co-op basis by LAA paid the cost for the transformer and all other payments, it proposed and implemented for 18 estates. (Now the Government is providing such facilities).

· LAA officials assist workers by visiting plantation estates and providing services and advise to the necessary workers

Mission
To be the voice of the workers and create awareness, promote and uplift the well - being of the rural. The plantation farmers through initiating and developing socio economic activities for sustainable development, through an innovative and participatory approach in order to achieve and enhance standards, empowerment human dignity, ethnic, harmony equality and peace.

On going programmes:

  • Revolving loans for women for cattle farming

  • Income generating loans for self employment

Workshops/Seminars/Trainings

  • Occupational Safety and Health

  • Gender Sensitization

  • Community Development

  • Worker's Right

  • Women's Right

  • Need of Trade Union

Future Programmes

  • Gender Programmes

  • Social integrating programmes

  • Awareness creation programmes

  • Skills Training

General Problems

  • Living Conditions

  • Security issues

  • General working conditions

  • Family welfare

  • To make awareness among the workers need of labour management partnership

  • Lack of democracy in plantation trade unions

  • Lack of participation by the members in trade unions

  • Lack of faith among the workers about the trade unions

Supporting Organizations:|

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
General Secretary : D. Mathavan

 Address:
  Office:
No. 70, Cargills Ground, Nuwara Eliya.
  Tel:
 052 - 2234274, 052 - 2222081
  Fax:
052 - 2222274

Confederation of Public Service Independent Trade Unions (COPSITU) UP

History
In August 1980, a strike was led by the politically affiliated trade unions. The massive victimization of the strikers by the administration resulted in weakening the trade union movement in the country. The democratic and independent trade unions in the public sector realized the need to revitalize the trade union movement. Seven public sector independent trade unions affiliated in July 1981 and formed COPSITU. The need of the hour was to establish a strong non political independent trade union movement. Public Sector independent trade unions were quick to realize the value and affiliation to the COPSITU got under way.

 Aims and Objectives
To establish a National Trade Union Center, for the promotion, growth and development of free independent and Democratic Trade Unions in Sri Lanka.

To provide a forum to promote a progressive Democratic Socialist society without discrimination on grounds of language religion or race.

To promote and encourage the development of the system of collective bargaining in the public sector with a view to protect, promote and further the interests of the public servants in respect of their condition of employment, remuneration, privileges and promotional prospects with a view to maintain a sound, stable sustained and healthy industrial atmosphere in the public service.

To carry out worker's education programmes with a view to instill a sense of responsibility among the workers and thereby establish better employer employee relationship.

To promote such other measures as may be necessary for the achievement of the aforesaid aims and objects.

 Membership
Any public sector trade union desirous of affiliation, comes in as an observer. Once the bona fides are established, the union should apply for affiliation. They should submit the following documents.

1. Resolution adopted at an Annual General Meeting approving affiliation.
2. Copy of the Constitution
3. Latest annual report and accounts approved at the general meeting
4. List of office bearers
5. On approval by the Council of Management of COPSITU, the union is enrolled as a
   member.

 Structure

1. Supreme body is the Annual Conference of Delegates of member unions and three
    members from each branch union.

2. The Executive Council - The office bearers are elected at the Annual Conference of     Delegates. Each member union nominates a representative to the Committee of the
    Executive Council. Monthly Meetings of the council are held.
3. The Executive Council elects the Director of Studies and the Director of Research.

 Activities

1.   Conduct educational seminars and workshops at national and branch levels. Publish
      a journal, distributed free to member unions.
2.   Research - Family budget and cost of living studies to be presented to Salaries and       Cadre Commissions. These reports have been acknowledged by three Commissions as
      invaluable in deciding criteria for restructuring of salaries.
3.   Research papers of Occupational Health & Hygiene.
4.   Working conditions of female employees in the health sector.
5.   Monitoring the occupational safety and health of election duty staff at divisional,       provincial, general and presidential elections.
6.   Representing issues of common interest to all workers in general and public servants in       particular.
7.   Individual problems of any member union.
8.   Motivate and equip members to take up leadership roles.
9.   Promote participation of women and youth in trade union activities.
10. Originated the implementation of the professions supplementary to medicine.
11. Originated the implementation of the Technological Service Minute.
12. Represent the Public Service at the National Labour Advisory Committee.
13. Represent COPSITU at the ILO - Trade Union Planning meetings.
14. Bring together all public sector trade unions to pressurize the Government to implement
      the Independent Public Service Commission.
15. Represent COPSITU at the Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Public       Administration.

 Supporting Organizations

 1. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
 2. American Centre for Labour Solidarity
 3. International Labour Organization

 Chief Office Bearers

  • President - S. Ratnapriya, Welikadamulla, Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
    Tel: 09 - 2258108

  • Hony. General Secretary - A. Jayaratne, Opposite Maha Vidyalaya
    Galmuruwa, Sri Lanka - Tel: 032 -22 40694

  • Hony. Treasurer - Mahendra Wijetileka, No. 3, Manthri Place, Colombo 5.
    Sri Lanka - Tel: 2500718

  • Director of Studies - K.S. Karunaratne, No. 7, Circular Road, Mount Lavinia,
    Sri Lanka - Tel: 2714111

  • Director of Research - Miss. Kusum Vithana, No. 206, Wewelduwa, Kelaniya,
    Sri Lanka - Tel: 2913805

Email: copsitu@sltnet.lk

OFFICE OF THE COPSITU - Opposite Maha Vidyalaya, Galmuruwa, Sri Lanka.

Social, Economic & Environment Development Organization (SEEDO) UP

Monaragala district in Uva province still remains one of the most under developed areas in Sri Lanka in-spite of various development programmes implemented at national level by successive governments since independence.

History

SEEDO (Sri Lanka) was established in this district in 1997 with the participation of farmers (including agricultural workers) who constitute 85% of the work force and those engaged in animal husbandry and mining (gems). This category represent 9% of the work force. These two segments of the population providing the target group. Out of the total workforce nearly 90% are only partitialy employed. Another note worthy feature is that 66.7% or over 2/3 of the population live below poverty line (house holds in receipts of a monthly income of less that Rs. 1500/=). We have established links with people engaged in diverse fields such as sugar cane cultivation, animal husbandry, gem mining, chena cultivation (shift cultivation). Tea, Rubber and Paddy cultivation.

This period witnessed some marked improvement in social and political situation in the country but the escalation of the ethnic conflict in mid 1997 caused destruction of property and loss of life in an unprecedented manner. The ongoing conflict had its effect felt in all spheres affecting mainly children and women. Estate Tamils of Indian origin suffered more than any other segment of the population. The number of disabled youth increased rapidly while young women were becoming widows.

Cultivation became unproductive but no alternative employment opportunities were available. The plight of the estate labour became pathetic. The social and economic life in general was disrupted.

It is endeavor to even with our meager resources to change this situation. But we alone are not capable of changing this situation. In these circumstances we are compelled to look for much needed resources from out side agencies who have similar objectives. We believe that if necessary funds are available we will be able to provide a better social life for these communities.

Vision:
  • To create a society in which disadvantaged people belonging to different ethnic groups can live in peace and harmony while preserving their Ethnic identify
Mission:
  • To undertake Surveys, research and studies to fully appraise the existing situation.
  • To create awareness among farmers, workers, youth and women in both rural and estate sectors and organize them to enable them to safeguard their rights and interests.
  • To identify the language, religion and culture of the target group and assist them to preserve and sustain same.
  • To identify the causes leading to disruption of peaceful life and take appropriate measures to eliminate same.
  • To eliminate distrust factions and divisions in civil society and bring about a change of
      attitudes and beliefs.
  • To work towards the creation of a better society in cooperation with a net-work of
    organizations.
Goal: Recognizing and respect equality

· To create a society that endeavors to solve its problems through collective action.
· To improve the living standards of rural and estate communities emphasizing on women,
  children and youth.
Objective:
  • Collect and update data relating to social, cultural and environment situation of people living in this district.
  • Set up a separate organization to agitate for women's rights.
  • Work for lasting peace among different ethnic groups with children playing a major role.
  • Communities to be encouraged to collect and preserve information on literature and fine arts and create interest in literary pursuits.
  • Develop the status of agricultural workers and preserve environmental system.
  • Work for rehabilitation of disabled youth.
  • Help estate communities to regain their lost rights on account of ethnic conflict.
  • Create awareness communities relating to social economic and ethnic matters in the
    community and prepare them to face problems successfully.
  • To work with the community to minimize environmental damage.
  • To create awareness and assist communities to achieve economic freedom.
  • Strengthen organizations that stand for the rights of the people.
  • Setup organizational net work to enhance bargaining power.

 Social, Economic & Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO)
 No. 130, Monaragala Road, Badalkumbura.
 Tel: 055-2250179

Planning & Development Secretary : H.J. Rathnaweera Mobile - 077/6051953

 
 
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