SETIK (JPHDHR Secretariat - Caritas Kandy)

CRS Programme Successfully Completed

2011-12-20T02:41:00.001-08:00

The “SET” Project implemented targeting the people of Gammaduwa & Hangarankanda estates in the Matale District of the diocese of Kandy was concluded on the 30th of November 2011. (Duration one year)
Under this project, ten dilapidated line rooms which are over Hundred years old, were renovated. Toilets were also renovated to improve the health and sanitation of the community. Now, they lead a dignified life after the restoration of their line rooms. This project was accomplished with the financial assistance and guidance of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) under the direction and supervision of the “Caritas Kandy (SETIK)”.In addition to above, programmes on Leadership Training, Personality Development, Health & Sanitation and Human Rights were also conducted to enlighten the community.

OPENING CEREMONY OF COUNSELLING SERVICE CENTRE -‘SETIK’

2011-06-18T03:09:00.001-07:00

During the past, we provided Counselling services to the victims in various levels in the Central Province, as per the complaints received by Human Rights, Eradication of Child Labour and Migrants' units of our organization. Counselling services were provided continuously to those who were suffering from mental depression in the rural and plantation areas in the Central Province, under the counselling programmes implemented by various units in our organization. We felt the urgent need of a permanent centre for counselling services. With this intention, we commenced a permanent counselling centre affiliated to Psycho-social counselling programme.

Accordingly, a new counselling centre under the name of 'Sahan Sevana' was declared open by Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka, the Vicar General of the Diocese, on 03rd of May 2011. On this occasion, Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, the Director-SETIK, explained the objectives and the need of this centre. Dr. Saman Gamage of the Mental Health unit of the Katugastota Hospital who participated at our opening ceremony, promised to extend the services of this unit to our counselling centre.

Medical Officer of Katugastota Mental Health Resource Centre, four medical officers attached to Teaching hospital, Kandy & Peradeniya were also present on this occasion.

This counselling centre is being operated by our organization, and these services are rendered by a group of experienced and trained counsellors.

Regional Representative’s Visit

2011-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

On 04th March 2011, a CRS team consisting of Regional representative for Asia, Europe/ Middle East – Ms. Megan Sheehan and CRS Sri Lanka Finance Staff-Mr. John, visited SETIK and had a discussion with Rev. Fr. Director, CRS Team and Migrants’ unit staff in the Morning.

In the afternoon, Ms. Megan, Mr. John and CRS team visited Owala to review the progress of the project implemented last year. During this visit Ms. Megan was able to meet the community and see the changes of the life of people after the implementation of this project.

Further, they also inspected the erection; they also drew their attention to the activities that are being taken place at present, and about the future expectations of the parents and children. The people were very happy about the presence of this team. This can be described as a good opportunity to the team to evaluate the CRS programme and the activities carried out by the SETIK Organization.

Victimized People of Central Province by Torrential Rain and Landslides

2011-02-11T03:13:00.000-08:00

Torrential rain is devastating the central region of our country from the dawn of the New Year. Hundreds of deaths, destruction of several billion worth of residencies and crops were completely destroyed due to this calamity.

Landslides occurred in Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts with irreparable loss to lives and properties. Over hundred thousands trees were uprooted. Roads and crops were damaged and most areas especially paddy fields were still under water. Most of the low lying areas are still inundated by floods. As a result, thousands of people had to displace from their dwellings.

Incidents
Seven people lost their lives and seven houses were completely damaged due to a landslide with a huge rock at Rajasinghe Mawatha, Gatambe-Kandy. As a result of this landslide, 17 people were displaced and they were referred to Gatambe Pansala and from there they were transferred to Municipal Community Centre. Our organization provided cooked food, medicines, mats, pillows and blankets on the 11th of January 2011.

So many villages at Kandalama area in Dambulla were inundated by major flood. 100 people at Atuparayaya village at Dambulla and 65 people at Velihena in Palwehera were displaced due to flood. They were temporarily settled in the Atuparayaya Viharasthanaya. Our organization distributed cooked food among these displaced people. Rev. Fr. Desmond, Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Church, Rotawewa and Rev. Nayaka Thero of Etawarahena Viharasthanaya contributed for this meritorious at.

59 Families were removed from the risk area of Haatale upper division in Panwila Divisional Secretary’s area and temporarily settled down at Tamil Vidyalaya. They were provided with cooked food by ‘SETIK’ organization. Rev. Fr. Christy Paul’s contribution was also received for this meritorious act.

A large number of houses have been damaged at Punchi Rattota, Maussagolla and Bodhikotuwa in the Divisional Secretary’s area of Rattota in Matale District due to torrential rain.About 75 families have been received instructions from Building Research Institute to vacate their homes, where they had been living for generations. Dried rations were distributed among 58 families on 18th January 2011 by Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, Director, ‘SETIK’ organization. The Divisional Secretary of Rattota and her staff rendered their fullest cooperation on this occasion. Rev. Fr. Roshan Almeda, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church Rattota was also present for this occasion.

A Change of Life to the People of Karagastenna

2011-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

PAST SITUATION
Karagastenna is a very remote estate located within the Divisional Secretariat area of Pallegama in the Matale District. To reach this estate we will have to travel about 14 miles from the Rattota-Gammaduwa junction through a more difficult sub road, where there is not a single house visible to our sight on both sides of this sub road. Grama Seva Officer is the only government officer who often visits this area from the village of Puwakpitiya. Though there is a primary school, it does not have any facilities. The line rooms at this estate are hundred years of old and were in a very dilapidated condition. The occupants due to fear, do not sleep in these rooms; instead they use to sleep in their kitchens, as the roofs and walls were on the verge of collapse. As there were only one or two useable toilets for the whole families, they use to go to the jungle to answer the calls of nature. Even the environment was unhygienic and untidy. They did not have pure water to drink. They had been using water contaminated with germs and their children had been suffering from various epidemic diseases; Diarrhoea and skin diseases.
However, as the estate had been closed down for nearly 1 ½ years, the number of families lived there had been reduced from 80 to 55. About 25 families had moved to some other places for employment. Now there are about 45 permanent families.

PRESENT SITUATION
A vast change has been taken place in the lives of these people which could be described as physical and mental. After the entry of ‘SETIK’ and ‘CRS’ into this estate, in January 2009, these changes started to occur. Now, the reconstruction and rehabilitation work has been carried out at this estate after enlightening the community into various teams. The following repairs and construction work have been carried out now;
· The roofs of three dilapidated line rooms have been repaired.
· Damaged walls of two line rooms have been repaired.
· 45 Toilets have been constructed.
· Water pipe lines have been installed to these families.
As a result of the above services, they lead a peaceful life with self respect and mental happiness. Now, there is a great revival in their life and they are with smiling faces. We too are indeed happy to see their smiling faces by providing our services for their peaceful life.

VESTING THE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE

Vesting of these three projects to the people was ceremonially held on the 28th of January 2011. The commemorative plaques of these projects were declared open by Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, the Director of ‘SETIK’ and Ms. Michelle Markey of CRS. Later, a meeting was held followed with an inspection of these projects. On this occasion the estate management has given an assurance to maintain these projects continuously. The Grama Seva Officer, Manager-Plantation, and the staff of ‘SETIK’ organization also took part on this occasion. This ceremony was held with the participation of all labourers of Karagastenna estate.

Resource Persons Day 2010

2011-01-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

The ‘SETIK’ organization in Kandy Diocese, conducts the awareness programmes, training programmes, and educational programmes in grassroots’ level in the plantation and the rural areas. These are being conducted in district level in Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya district and in the diocesan level.

Programmes (the following topics are covered)
· Participatory Development
· Community Organization and Leadership
· Protection of Rights (children’s, women’s, labourers’ and human rights)
· Vocational Training (women & youth)
· Eradication of Child Labour
· Protecting the Migrant Women who leave for Domestic Service
· Psychosocial Development
· Disaster Management
· Peace
· Protecting the environment
· Organic Farming – Organic Home Gardens
· Nutrition
· Health & Sanitation
· First Aid
· Resolving of Conflicts
· Positive Thinking
· Lenten Education
· Communication Skill Development

These programmes are conducted in Sinhala and Tamil mediums. For this purpose we have received the contribution of resource persons from the staff of our organization, universities, educational and vocational training institutes, ministry of education, department s of agriculture and animal husbandry, non-governmental organizations and freelance resource contributors.
In the past, we have not organized a friendly get-together of these resource persons. Therefore, in the year 2010, we celebrated the resource person’s day with the following objectives on the 27th of November 2010 at the SETIK auditorium, Kandy, which was presided over by the Director, Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz.

· Appreciating the, resource contribution provided through this organization for the grass root level communities in the plantation and rural areas in the Central Province.
· Discussing the organizations focus in forth coming year
· Discussing their anticipated services in the forthcoming year
· Building up the inter-connection among them as a training pool.

The following out put has been achieved through these programmes:
· Improving the cordial relationship and understanding between the organization and the resource persons
· Further improving the community development attitude of the resource persons
· Using the knowledge and merits of the resource persons, for the methodical improvement of the organization
· The resource persons who live among various ethnic groups in the central province get an opportunity to identify each other and to build up their cordial relationship. Thereby improving national integration and peace process.
· Expansion understanding between the government and non governmental organizations.

It has been decided to conduct this programme on the last Saturday of the month of November in every year and it was fixed for the 26th of November 2011.

Opening the Owala Project to the Community

2010-10-08T21:12:00.000-07:00

The following projects sponsored and implemented jointly by 'Caritas Kandy (SETIK)' organization and CRS organization were vested to the community. These were declared open by the Director-SETIK organization, Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz at 10.00 a.m. on 6th of October 2010.

Projects;

Reparing the roofs of the line rooms at 'Samagi' colony at Owala estate.
Sanitation Project (35 new toilets have been built)
Water supply scheme (Restoration of Pipe lines)

The Director, Administrator, officers attached to Migrants' unit, Youth unit and Platation unit of our organization took part in this function and it was organized by the CRS unit.

The Cooperation extedned by the Divisional Secretariat and the staff of Rattota Divisional Secretariat is indeed praiseworthy. Representatives of the Divisional Secretary also took part in this function.

This project was implemented within a period of eithteen months and the people are now enjoying these facilities. There is a remarkable change in the environment and the living conditions of the people now. There was a cultural event of the children, which reflected their abilities and talents.

Further, 'Samagi' community based organization (CBO) is fully devoted to fulfill the requirements of the people.

We wish them all success.

Environmental Exhibition

2010-08-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

An exhibition organized by the ‘SETIK’ on the above, was held at the ‘Wahacotte Church’ ground on the 19th & 20th of June 2010, during the annual church feast.

The Youth, Human Rights and the Migrants’ unites of our organization were arrange an exhibition on the following objectives.

Youth Unit - Springs and their environmental significance in the Central Province.

Human Rights Unit - Let us protect the rights of the women.

Migrants’ Unit - Safe Migration

A massive crowd gathered for the annual church feast and the service. People showed a keen interest to view these exhibition stalls and a fair knowledge about ‘SETIK organization’.

Community Development Training Course

2010-08-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

CRS project of Caritas Kandy (SETIK) organized and conducted Six (06) workshops as series of Community Development Training Course to mobilize target people of Karagastenna and Owala Estates in Matale district successfully. We were able to train them as trainers of training through different subject matters. In the process, CRS team of the SETIK, fully involved in coordination and contributed financially.

The following subject matters were discussed to enlighten their knowledge:

* Community Leadership and qualities of leaders

* Organic agriculture, home gardening and animal husbandry
- Practical training
* History of Community Development and its development
- Fundamentals of community development
- Duties and responsibilities of community societies
* Human Rights and its concepts
- Development of Human Rights and its categories
- Civil rights
* Disaster Management
- Community and technology
* Positive thinking
- Mental and health development
- Identification of community issues, Data collection updating

We have gathered the above subject matters of Community Development as a course to enhance knowledge and understanding of rural and plantation sector community. It was really helped a lot to them. We concluded this series of workshops on 09th May 2010 as its last training workshop. The certificate award ceremony was held on 15th May 2010 by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney, the National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, the Director of Caritas Kandy (SETIK), Rev. Fr. Roy Clarence, the Director of Catholic Commission for Migrants, Rev. Fathers of Kandy Diocese, Rev. Sisters and other invitees were present at this ceremony. Also over 350 SETIK beneficiaries were participated this significant event as representatives of the rural and plantation sectors.

Commemoration of International Women's Day 2010

2010-04-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Caritas Kandy (SETIK), HR Unit, organized the international women’s day for the plantation and rural community on 27th March 2010 at Greenwood International School, Matale. The purpose of this ceremony was to lay emphasis on the responsibility towards protecting women’s rights, by way of building up environmental strategies for active participation.

There were 500 participants. This programme was conducted in Sinhala and Tamil languages under the topic of “Eradication of Domestic Harassment and Violation against Women”. Police officer in charge of women’s bureau, Kandy, Mrs. Bamunusinghe was the resource person. During the session many issues were discussed and decided to handover a memorandum to the Ministry of Child and Women’s affair.

Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, Director-SETIK, Rev. Fr. Roy Clarence, Director of Migrant Commission, Rev. Fr. Harold Thamel, Parish Priest of Matale, Officer in charge of Crime Division, Matale Police Station, Officer in charge of Child and Women’s Division, Matale Police Station and few Attorney-at-Lawyers were present.

During the day, there were cultural events took place in order to give more brightness to the international women’s day 2010.

At the end of the programme, a memorandum was presented to the Resource Person, (Police Officer in charge of Child and Women’s Division, Kandy Police Station), to hand over to the Child and Women’s Affairs Ministry.

2010-03-05T01:46:00.000-08:00

Celebration of Thai Pongal Festival

The Thai Pongal celebrations in Kandy, Rattota and Hatton held on 16/01/2010, aiming at fostering Ethnic, Peace and Harmony, under the patronage of Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz, Director-SETIK, staffs and Rainbow children numbering 110 altogether. Ceremony at Mahaiyawa Hindu Temple, was graced by delivering both in Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Celebrations at Rattota Mairmuttu Hindu temple attended to, by, Rev. Wimalarathna Thero of Ganetenna, Rev. Sr. Bertha and Rev. Sr. Calista of Rattota Holy Family Convent at which Resource Person Mr. M. Mohanraj, delivered a speech.

At the same time, Pooja conducted at Hatton Siva Subramaniam Kovil, well attended by SETIK staff inclusive of children, where the children were enlightened the prevalence of cultural unity among ethnic groups.

2010-02-24T21:28:00.000-08:00

Events
June to December 2009

The Commemoration of the Poson Full Moon Day

The Poson full moon day has a significant recognition among the Buddhists of Sri Lanka, where doctrines are concerned.
Several aspects of 2400 years old, existence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, embarked by King and his Ministers.
On 27th of June 2009, celebrated Poson Bakthi gee at SETIK, with the participation of Children of various religions which attended by Buddhists and Christian priests, Religious sisters, Mowlawar and religious leaders and parents.

International Youth Day 2009

Conducted on 23rd August 2009 by ‘SETIK’ Youth unit at Hantana, with the participation of 184 youths respectively from Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya.
Screening “Meth Sevana” short film to eradicate addiction of youth, in liquor and drugs and to build up a violence free society, in the central province had been the objective of this programme, and at its conclusion one year planning launched to form a prevention group, consisting of 29 altogether.

Exposure Programme for Migrant’s Children

The exposure programme to migrant children of an age group of 8-15 years who were to participate Nuwara Eliya Deanery, Migrant’s Commission, on 26th September 2009, at the personality development programme, Gampola, Ambuluwawa, inter religious centre, Peradeniya botanical gardens followed by, personality development programme, at Pallekele as well.
The migrant’s children who attended Nuwara Eliya Deanery programme did not have any background, knowledge in environmental aspects, since birth.
Paying respect at Gampola, Ambuluwawa, inter religious centre, gathered knowledge similarly visiting Peradeniya botanical gardens, and gathered knowledge about plants and to try them out in their home gardens, by sharing their feelings about the plantation and village level, peaceful environment prevailed at the Pallekele camp fire, held.

Current Issues

Participating 230 workers on current issues on a seminar, based on basic problems experienced by workers, at Hatton, Shakthi Hall.
* Theme had been the plantation sector wages problems and collective agreement implications.
* The three activities at field level to development programme are as follows.
1. Opening of Libraries
2. Shramadana Campaigns
3. Literary classes and
4. organization of community based issues
A memorandum with 250 workers signatures caused to be submitted had been prepared to be addressed to the Ministers and Parliament respectively.

Universal Children’s Day Celebrations

Participating 400 children, SETIK Kandy celebrated the Universal Children’s day on Saturday the 10th October 2009, at Kandy Police Stadium under the patronage of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, the Bishop of Kandy, in association with Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka, Archdeacon of Kandy, Ven. Kosgala Gnanaseeha Thero and other religious leaders, Kandy, District Secretary, OIC Kandy, Child and Women Bureau, respectively.

This year programme focussed on the following;
1. Social Impact of the Children - With the disposal of banners and placards representing procession of Ethnic groups, commenced from Kandy, Hindu Kovil.
2. Knowledge - Placards with the depiction of the following proceeded.
* Child Protection Policy
* Value of Education
* Value of Children to the Nation
* Opinions and advises to the children
* Beauty of Childhood
3. Relaxation - By provision of resourceful contribution from popular comedy actor, Anton Jude, conducted a musical programme to mark the occasion.

Commemoration of the Universal Human Rights Day

Commission for Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariat, which known as “SETIK”, commemorated the day targeting rural and plantation sector in the Central Province, on 10th December 2009 at Kandy, Postal Complex Auditorium.
Object of this programme sponsored by CAFOD was to draw state attention on human rights issues of villages and plantation sectors.
540 participants were attended. Mr. Saibudeen and Mrs. Sobana Rajendran, of Peradeniya University were the Resource persons of this programme. Besides, other religious dictionaries too participated along with respective other state connected officers.Kandurara City FM, radio channel live telecast of this programme taken place to our credit.

Training Programme on Social Development

2009-10-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

In order to develop talents, attitudes and knowledge about the social development of the community leaders in rural plantation sectors, a training programme was held in Baptist Church, Matale on 19th September 2009.

This programme was organized and conducted by the SET (Safe Environment in Tea Estates) project staff of SETIK with the courtesy of CRS. This programme will conduct quarterly.
On 19-09-2009 we conducted the first session of this programme with the participation of 45 community leaders under the theme of ‘Community Leadership & Leadership Aspects’.

The opening session held on 19th September 2009 with the participation of 45 community leaders.

Helping hands for our brothers and sisters in the war affected areas in Sri Lanka

2009-06-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

The major challenge for Sri Lanka after the war; is providing meals, sanitation and shelter for the displaced people in the war affected areas.

SETIK was given an opportunity to carry this mission with the blessings and the fullest support of Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - the Bishop of Kandy. With the help of all the Parish Priests and religious Sisters and civil people of the Diocese of Kandy, Setik collected dry rations, medicines and cash donations to support this affected people.

The Director of Setik - Rev. Fr. Camillus Jansz took the initiative to collect these items and cash from the donors of the Central Province and finally collected dray rations and cash donations wroth of Rs. 10,500,000.00. On 12th June 2009 the collected items and cash were handed over to the Sedec (Caritas Sri Lanka) and they took the responsibility to distribute them among suffering people.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Bishop of Kandy - who was always guiding us for all our good work at Setik. Meantime we thank all the Parish Priests, religious Sisters and for the civil people who encouraged us, contributing towards this humanitarian assistance.

Commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour - 2009

2009-06-17T01:48:00.000-07:00

Setik organized an education programme to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour on 13th June 2009 in Hatton.

This is a burning issue which is taking place in rural villages and in the plantation sector of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Poor economic condition and parents un- education in rural areas and in the plantation sector are main reasons for this problem.

Our main objective of organizing this programme was to rescue the children from child labour and educate them on the importance of education. This programme was comprised with a street drama, a peaceful rally, a seminar and distribution of hand bills.

The street drama held at the public bus stand of Hatton and made the people aware about the issues of child labour and its negative outcome. The feed back of the viewers were very positive. The peace rally took place from Hatton town to St. Bosco College and the children carried posters and banners exhibiting the issues of child labour. The seminar started at St. Bosco College which was conducted by Mr. Manisekaram - the Coordinator of the Plantation Community Project. There were more than 100 children participate at the seminar and the participated children were given an opportunity to express their ideas on this issue.

“Wesak” Mal Dansala - 2009 -Free Distribution of Flowers

2009-05-14T02:51:00.001-07:00

“Wesak” day is a very important religious festival for all the Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all over the world. Every year we continuously conduct “Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers for the worshipers). In this year it was held on 8th May 2009 in “Aluviharaya Rajamaha Temple” in the district of Matale. Every Poya day, Buddhist people of all over the country use to come to this ancient temple and do their spiritual activities.

Youth groups of our different fields were more generous to find out very beautiful lotus flowers to distribute among the people. We were happy to note that more than 7000 flowers were distributed on that day.

Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera - Coordinator of the Mtale district, members of Setik staff and volunteers of you youth groups participated at this programme and we are fortunate to have the media coverage of Sri Lanka Rupawahini Corporation and telecasted the programme on 9th May 2009.

May Day Celebration - 2009

2009-05-14T02:39:00.000-07:00

International May Day celebration was organized by Setik, Kandy at Nuwara Eliya District on 1st May 2009. It is very important to note that this time, the methodology that we used to highlight the labour rights was a street drama. Advocacy and lobby is not easy within the present context. But we understood that we should use a different method to educate civil society and to make their voice for their rights.

The street drama was played, in several public places in Nuwara Eliya district. There were good crowd in Nuwara Eliya, Nanu Oya, Talawakelle and Hatton. The main message which was given to the people was the discrimination of their authorities and politicians who represent them and how they can over come by themselves.

In this occasion leaflets were distributed among the people and banners were exhibited in major towns of the Central Province to convey the message to the society.

The food back which we received form the audience on the spot was very important and they said this is a very practical way to express burning issues in this present context. Plantation workers expressed their ideas saying that this was an opportunity for them to understand matters pertaining to their labour hood.

Exposure Programme

2009-04-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

In Sri Lanka the main reason for the violation of human rights is multi cultural differences. To build up co-existence between inter religious and inter racial groups in the present society we organized three days exposure programme, to Trincomalee on 25th , 26th and 27th March 2009. We organized this programme together with EHED - Caritas Trincomalee.

The members of our Human Rights supporting committee participated for this programme. Our group got the opportunity to visit ancient religious places in Trincomalee district such as Koneshvaram Hindu Kovil, Nilaweli Raja Maha Viharaya, Sambathiew Amman Kovil and Weligama Raja Maha Viharaya.

Tamil and Muslim cultural events were organized and presented by the people of Trincomalee. After that our group members had the opportunity to visit some of the houses of the people in Trincomalee and shared the experience and discussed about the problems and challenges that they face in their day today life.

They other main event that we had was the peoples forum which we built up with the help of God Bey and China Bey people. Through this event we came to know that the people of these villages face security problem and they could not do their livelihood activities due to the un-secure situation of the area.

New Year Celebration 2009

2009-04-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankans celebrates Sinhala and Hindu New Year in the month of April in each year as one of their traditional celebrations. Peace unit of Setik also organize New Year celebrations in each year in different fields in the Central Province. This year Setik organized this celebration in the Estate of Mowbrey in the district of Kandy and it was held on 18th April 2009.

The theme of the programme was “Equal Rights for each and everybody”. The main objective of this programme was to build up a better relationship among the Sinhalees and the Tamils. The programme commenced after hoisting of the national flag. The flags of Buddhist and Hindu were hoisted by the religious leaders. There were about 500 participants of Sinhalees, Tamils and Muslims.

We organized several traditional games for the participants. At this occasion children, youths and elders including males and females actively and happily participated at the games. While the programme was going on, a group of children presented some Hindu traditional cultural events and it made the programme more beautiful.

Rev. Fr. Camillus D. Jansz - the Director of Setik was the chief gust for the programme and he presented the gifts for winners of the games. We realized that all the participants involved at this programme with a great team spirit. Once of the main result that we achieved by celebrating this event was togetherness and respect each other by partaking these games.

International Women’s Day - 2009

2009-03-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

SETIK-Kandy commemorates the International Women’s Day on 7th of March 2009 at the Hatton Setik Centre. The theme of the celebration was “Let us Protect Her as our own Mother”. We organized this programme to ensure the rights of women to protect and promote their dignity without discrimination. There were about 475 participants took place at the programme.

The programme started after the sticker campaign which was done by the youth groups of our fields. Introductory address was given by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney, and he explained about the issues related to violation of women’s rights. In his speech he highlighted the social, economic, political and cultural issues which women face in their day today life.

Our Guest Speakers for the programme were Mrs. Rathnasamy - Assistant Director of Zonal Education in Hatton and Mrs. Suranji Wijenayaka- Att-at-Law. They made their keynotes about the issues of the plantation women such as abortion, less literacy rate in the plantation women, domestic violence and child labour in both Tamil and Sinhala mediums.

After the sessions a common discussion session took place at the programme to get the feed back from the participants and to forward their questions. After the discussion session two women from the plantation sector and rural sector address the audience by sharing their experience with their day today life routine. The programme concluded with an entertainment by a group of women.

National Independence Day Celebration

2009-03-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Setik- Kandy celebrates the National Independence day on 4th February 2009. As we expected to give the opportunity to the people who are unable to participate from the remote areas of the Central Province; this year celebration was held at Youth Training Centre in Innamaluwa- Dambulla. Around 700 people participated at this event from the districts of Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.

The programme started after hoisting the National Flag along with four religious flags by the religious leaders. In the programme inter religious and inter ethnic cultural presentations included since we always try to build a better relationship among all the ethnic groups. Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz from Setik Institution and Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera-The Parish Priest of Innamaluwa Parish presented at the programme.

A drama and cultural items were presented by youth groups of our fields to highlight the importance of the inter ethnic and inter religious relationship, peace and solidarity. Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz gave the introductory speech and the special guest speech was delivered by Mr. Samanatha Ekanayake - Lecturer of Sociology Department, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka from Sinhala medium and Mr. A. C. S. Crooz from Tamil medium on the theme “Socio-economic issues caused for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka”.

Youth Camp and the Shramadana Campaign

2009-03-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

The Youth Unit of Setik together with the Diocesan Youth Apostolate organized a camp for youth from 28th February to 1st March 2009 which was held in Bogowanthalawa. Our main objective of organizing this programme was to enlighten the youth on their social responsibilities.

The programme was opened by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director of Setik, Rev. Fr. Camillus Janz, Rev. Fr. Desmond Perera - Diocesan Youth Apostolate Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Roy Clarence - Diocesan Director of the Migrant Commission and Rev. Fr. Lakmal Perera - Coordinator for Setik in Nuwara Eliya District. There were 260 participants from the fields where Setik activities are implemented and from the parish youth groups. On the first day three sessions were held to enable the youth to understand themselves; Who they are? What are their responsibilities in the present context?. After the session those present were divided into groups for discussions and sharing of experiences.

A Shramadana compaign was organized on the second day to clean the environment of four hospitals in the district of Nuwaraeliya. All the participants actively involved themselves in this activity and gave their fullest cooperation to clean the area.
To see more photoes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

International Human Rights Day

2009-01-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

International Human Rights Day was held on 10th December 2008 at Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat office. The programme was organized by Setik Human Rights Unit in coordination with the divisional secretariat of Ambagamuwa. The main aim of this programme was to obtain the birth certificates, national identity cards and other relevant documents of the tea plantation people in the district of Nuwara Eliya. The tea plantation people have to face lots of hardships in obtaining the above said documents to get the citizenship. During this programme we completed the relevant documents and prepared separate files for each individual who don’t have the above mentioned documents. Meantime we were able to issue 68 birth certificates on the spot for 68 people since they were able to provide us all the relevant documents. Meantime 24 people were registered and 14 birth certificates were amended and provided to the relevant persons.

During this programme an art exhibition on human rights violations and children’s rights, was organized for school children. 365 children took part at the art exhibition and 100 certificates were given for the selected arts.

Exhibiting of cutouts on domestic violence, police torture, child labour and migration issues were also took place during the programme. A sticker campaign was carried and 4000 stickers were distributed during this day under the theme “Human dignity and justice for all of us”

Commemoration of universal children’s day - 2008

2008-10-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

Commemoration of universal children’s day was celebrated, on 1st October 2008 at the “Elephant Walk” grounds in Katugastota, Kandy. About 250 children of different races and religious participated in it from different parts of the District of Kandy and Matale. The aim and objective of this celebration was to instill in the children positive concepts on peace, cordiality and good-will. The programme included rhythmic songs and dances, short drama and magic show. All the participants enjoyed the day and benefited by the programme.

Over 135 children tool part in the children’s day programme in Nuwara Eliya District. It was in the form of an exposure programme. The children visited Ambewela and Hatton and the children were very happy. The animators of Nuwara Eliya Distirct attached to Setik accompanied the children.

These two programmes were organized by the children’s unit of “Setik”.

Commemoration of International Peace Day 2008

2008-10-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

Currently we are in a period of time when Peace is most disturbed, less talked about, and most neglected. In spite of such hindrances “Setik” Caritas Kandy celebrated this International commemoration of Peace Day with a very relevant programme on 22nd September 2008 at the Luxmi Hall, Hatton. This programme was to voice for Peace and commit ourselves to promote Peace in Sri Lanka. The theme of our celebration was “Peace gives live”.

The programme was composed with a blood donation campaign, commemorative celebrations and a dialogue session.

Blood was given for Peace and not for war. People came forward generously, youth and adults to donate blood to enable life. We are very grateful to the medical staff of the Government Hospital of Nawalapitiya who volunteered to give their services to carry out this campaign. Also, we thank the 51 generous blood donors.

The celebration commenced at the Luxmi Hall, Hatton at 10.00 a.m. on 22nd September with an introduction of the days programme by Rev.Fr. George Sigamoney Director of Setik Caritas Kandy. He placed before those assembled the aim and objectives of the day. Traditional lighting of the lamp and the taking of the oath was followed by an Inter Religious prayer service. The religious leaders also presented to the participants their special messages for Peace. The chief priest of Ukkuwelwatte Buddhist temple venerable Nugaliyadda Shantha Ratna thero delivered the Buddhist message of Peace. Rev.Kurukkal of Danawela Hindu Kovil presented his message, Chief Moulavi of Jumha mosque of Hatton delivered the Islamic message of Peace, and Rev. Fr. Nilanga Dias presented the Christian message of Peace.

Debate on the theme of the day “Development of country depends on Peace and not on war” This session was conducted in Tamil language. This was presented by the trainees of the Teachers Training Collage of Talawakelle. This programme was a very fitting finale to the days activities.

A vast crowd of over 1000 participated in the programme. We are very thankful to our partners from abroad and the representatives from National Caritas whose presence with us on that day enhanced our programme.
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40th Anniversary Celebration of Caritas Sri Lanka at SETIK, Kandy

2008-06-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

To mark the 40th anniversary of Caritas Sri Lanka Sedec the Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariat Setik Kandy organized a days’ programme on the 16th June 2008 with its community leaders, beneficiaries, grass-root level committees and school children of the central province. The Chief Guests were Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy, Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando - National Director of Caritas Sri Lanka, Ms. Anne Bousquet - Country Representative of CRS organization. To mark this occasion the animation unit of Setik Kandy organized a trade exhibition which comprised of nearly 20 stalls of the produce of the activities of people and an exhibition and a sale of the 10 sewing centres of Setik, to help the rural people in the Parishes. Prior to this event an art exhibition was conducted among the school children on the following themes. “Let us eradicate child labour,” “Tomorrow’s Sri Lanka”, “Let us protect our resources,” “The migrated mother”. The five houses that were constructed for five poor families were handed over to them on this same occasion. With the help of the CRS organization 18 line rooms were renovated in the district of Matale. In the same four estates 218 toilets were constructed and water facilities were provided for those living in them. This project was completed and the constructions were handed over to the beneficiaries officially by Ms. Anne - the Country Representative of CRS organization.

SETIK Caritas Kandy is working on this problems related to migrants for over five years now. During these five years the number of complaints we received were many. Even though we were able to help these victims’ in different ways still we believe as a country as the Authorities there should do a lot to safeguard our migrant workers who are being trafficked in other countries.

Taking into consideration the plight of the Migrant workers who are being trafficked in other countries the SETIK organization prepared and released a docu-drama based on real stories of migrants titled “Arabi Lamayage Gedara” or “The House of the Arabian Child” on the 16th June 2008, to mark the 40th anniversary of SEDEC- Caritas Sri Lanka. This one episode tele-drama speaks of a family in Sri Lanka in which the mother migrates to work as a domestic worker and her plight in the working place as well as the daughter who was back at home and her story.

On this same occasion we launched the book “The Travails of Sri Lankan Migrants’ it is a study report done by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney with the Migrants unit of SETIK Caritas Kandy. This book implies the reality the very painful journey of our own sisters who face the battle of life. The dignity and image of a woman and a mother is esteemed in our Eastern society. But sad to say, this beautiful image is disfigured in the very fact of migration into misoriented social situations that inflict deep inhuman harassments and oppressions. The result is our women are treated very shabbily as slaves.

The deportation of returnees empty handed, stories of women displaced in foreign countries, abandoned by agents, driven away by employers or escaping from employers to save their lives, is the cry we hear, on which we need to focus our attention.

As the reality and consequences are not known by these poor women and mothers, they automatically become the prey and the victims, to all these harassments and these women become burdens to their families and to our society.

The highest remittance of foreign exchange flows to our country, through the hard labour of these women workers according to the recent statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka the remittances was Rs. 160,502 million. Isn’t it our responsibility and obligation to protect the rights of these women and give them due respect and dignity?

Our book will help to discover the plight of migrant workers. Asian women crying out to us to take necessary action right now. Our commitment and our attitudes can make a difference. This book will open our eyes to the reality of Sri Lankan Migrant women’s’ plight.

An Inter Religious Celebration of Sinhala & Hindu New Year

2008-06-03T03:41:00.000-07:00

The celebration of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year 2008 was organized by “SETIK” with all the grass-root level groups from the fields where “Setik” programmes are implemented. The celebrations were held on 18th April 2008 at the public ground of Rattota, Matale district, Central Proince. Over 400 peple actively participated in the programme, enabling us to realize our main objective of this programme - which was to build cordial relationship of inter-ethnic groups.

The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director JPHDHR Secretariat and the flags of the four main religious by respective religious leaders.

This was followed by a series of about 20 traditional games in which all participated joyfully - children, women and men. The winners were awarded and the programme concluded with the national anthem.

All participants enjoyed themselves and our objective of promoting inter religious harmony and inter ethnic cordiality was realized to a good extent.

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Thaipongal Festival - Rainbow Children's Centre, Setik Kandy

2008-01-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

"SETIK" Day Celebration - 2007

2008-01-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Celebration of the 43rd Anniversary of the “Setik” organization was commemorated by a full-day programme on 19th December 2007 on the theme “Towards Growth”. Communities of people, empowered through the activities of “Setik” were actively involved in these celebrations.

Beneficiaries of the alternative economic development programmes implemented by “Setik” in the three Districts - Kandy, Matale and Nuwaraeliya were provided an opportunity to proudly display their produce in the trade stalls. Fruits, vegetables, needle work, foot-wear, sweet-meats and handicrafts found a ready sales point. The produce displayed and sold in the stalls were of good standard. The beneficiaries of the alternative economic development programmes were enabled to commence their activities by the financial aid given to them by Setik.

The Chief Guest at these celebrations was Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera - the Episcopal Chairman of CNC for Justice, Peace and Human Development, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy honoured this occasion by his presence. Among the other distinguish guests were Ven. Gallalle Sadhathissa Thero of Asgiriy Temple, Rev. Fr. Damin Fernando - Director Caritas Sri Lanka, Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - Vicar General in the Diocese of Kandy, Ven Sarambhapani Kurukkalal, Moulavi Furthavus and Mr. Steve Alston - regional representative of Cafod.

The celebrations commenced with the opening of the trade stalls. The invitees were conducted to the auditorium of the Setik in a procession led by Kandyan dancers and drummers They were welcomed and led into the auditorium by the Director of Setik. The traditional oil lamp was lit, a welcome dance was performed by a troupe of children. This was followed by the presentation of a brief history and progress of the Setik organization through the past 43 years of its effective journeying with the people. Each unit gave a debriefing of their activities of the year, through dramas, power point presentations, poems, etc.

The afternoon session of the programme was held at the auditorium - where certificates were distributed to participants at the various training programmes implemented by the “Setik”. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando in his address to those present stressed the importance of various types of training programmes that had been provided by “Setik” - these trainings are essential needs in the society today.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Anthony Harold Perera - Bishop of Gall stated in his address that it is our duty to strengthen and empower people by the programmes we implemented. He said that this day’s programme would encourage and enable our people to proceed further in their journey towards progress. He congratulated the “Setik” organization for its accomplishment. Mr. Steve Alston of Cafod too expressed his appreciation of the achievements of “Setik”. Specially standing bravely on the issues of Human Rights in the Central Province.

Over 2000 people from the Diocese of Kandy - specially from the target regions of Setik participated in the programme of celebrating “Setik Day” Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney thanked all present and all who contributed to the success of the programme.

To see more photoes please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Programme on “Preparing Medico-Legal Documents and Appearing in Courts” for Doctors

2007-10-11T03:21:00.002-07:00

Setik organization conducted a study programme on “Preparing medico-legal documents and appearing in courts” for the doctors of the General Hospital Kandy and Peradeniya teaching hospital at the teaching hospital auditorium on 31st October 2007. The resource person was Mr. Sarath Jayamanna, Deputy Solicitor General. Nearly 120 doctors and 30 consultants took part in this progamme which went on for almost three hours.

After the input by the resource person there was a panel discussion and lot of questions were raised by the participants. The questions were based on medical negligence, preparing legal documents, etc. The programme was very much appreciated by the participants and the resource person Mr. Sarath Jayamanna thanked Setik organization for the initiative taken to arrange such a seminar which is very much relevant for today’s context.

Promotional Programme to Integrate The Migrant Returnees Into Sri Lankan Society.

2007-10-11T03:21:00.000-07:00

In the month of October the Setik organized a major programme to help the migrant workers to resettle with their families. The objective of the programme was to help the migrant returnees and to re-integrate them to their families to start their income generating programmes. There were 51 beneficiaries selected from the three districts of the Central Province.

The occasion started at 10.00 a.m. on the 31st October 2007 at Setik Auditorium, Kandy. The Chief Guests of the celebration were His Loardship Bishop Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy and Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis - Bishop In-charge of the Catholic National Migrants’ Commission. The special invitees for the occasion were Ms. Anne Bousquet - the country representative of CRS, Mr. Eduward of CRS and Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - Vicar General in the Diocese of Kandy.

The programme commenced with a prayer and after lighting the traditional oil lamp. Introducation for the programme was given by the Director of Setik - Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney. In his address he mentioned about the unfortunate plight of the majority of migrant workers - most of them detained in prisons for petty crimes as they were unable to have legal representation to plead for them. He also said that the countries like India and Pakistan have banned females migrating as house maids to the Middle East countries as well as Bangaladesh and Nepal has restricted the number going as house maids. After his introduction to the programme three migrant returnees shared their pathetic experiences. A group of returnees enacted a very true to life drama on the daily drudgery faced by housemaids in the Middle East countries.

The launching of the English version of the book on Migration of Women as housemaids was another important item on the programme. A summary of the book was read and the book was presented to the invitees. The Chief Guests and special invitees were called upon to distribute the funds and 51 beneficiaries received funds Rs. 10,000 per each person. This was a short term objective of Setik to discourage of migration of women as house maids to the middle east countries.

His Lordship - Bishop Vianney Fernando stated that the Church would enhance assistance to these families and encourage mothers of families to remain with their children. His Lordship - Bishop Valance Mendis stated the Church is sending Sri Lankan Priests and religious sisters as volunteers to take care for the migrant workers. Ms. Anne representing CRS organization expressed that she found the programme very enlightening and that CRS will continue to assist to promote the welfare of the returnees.

There were about 350 people participated for the programme including the family members of the beneficiaries and the programme terminated at 1.00 p.m with the vote of thanks.

To See More Photoes Please Visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Universal Children's Day Celebration - 2007

2007-09-03T20:51:00.001-07:00

Universal Children’s Day 2007 was celebrated in the Diocese of Kandy on 6th October 2007, at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota. “Setik” Kandy organized the programme together with the Holy Childhood Apostolate in the Diocese. The theme was “Let’s grow with you”. More than 1800 children with about 180 Holy Childhood Animators took an active part in this programme. Children from the Holy Childhood groups of the Diocese together with those of the “Rainbow Chidren” centres of the Diocese participated in the programme. About 5 training programmes were implemented at Deanery level for the Animators to prepare them for the programme on Universal Children’s Day.

On 6th October at 9.30 a.m. Universal Children’s Day programme commenced with an inter-religious meditation for the children assembled at the College grounds. Then the Children and the teachers divided into 30 groups with about 55 children in each group with 5 teachers. Group activities to promote leadership qualities, team spirit and build up an inter-relationship among the children were carried out in the groups. These activities helped the children to relax and be refreshed spiritually and physically. The morning’s programme closed with lunch.

A cultural programme by the children commenced at 2.00 p.m. This was held at the College Hall. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando - Bishop of Kandy was the Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour were Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando - National Director Caritas Sri Lanka and Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka - The Vicar General of Kandy Diocese. The guests were warmly welcomed by the children and those present in the hall. Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney - Director of Setik introduced the guests and delivered the welcome speech. The programme of the cultural show was composed of 11 items: three items from each deanery in the Diocese and the “Setik” organization. There were Drama, dances, and songs in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. At the end of the cultural programme the Bishop of Kandy addressed the gathering specially the children and their animators and distributed souvenirs to all the children and the animators who participated in the programme.

Mobile Medical Clinic at Bolagala Estate

2007-09-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

On the 26th August 2007 the SETIk Mobile Medical Team carried out a mobile medical clinic at Bolagalawatte Estate which is nearly 20 Km away from Kandy city. This is one of the most neglected and undeveloped estates in the Central Province. During the British rule these people were brought from South India and today it is the fourth generation which lives here. Thus these people have a history of 180 years. After the privatization of the tea Plantations this estate was totally neglected and the people are living in utter poverty and in poor conditions. For the entire 80 families they have only 3 toilets and the houses are in a state of collapsing. During the rainy season there is not much of a difference between the outside and inside of the houses.

Due to these unhealthy situations the elders and the children are suffering from various diseases. Even though this estate is not very far from Kandy due to their poverty they are unable to come to the city to get medicine. After a careful study and survey our medical team (10 doctors and nearly 20 volunteers) conducted a medical camp in this estate. This medical camp provided treatment to almost 300 people. We remember with gratitude Fr. Giuseppe Jasso and his team for providing us with an ambulance which is really useful to help many people in the rural areas of our Diocese. To see more photoes please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy

Exhibition on Human Rights Violations

2007-07-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

Setik organized an exhibition on Human Rights highlighting various Human Rights violations in our society today. The exhibition was held at St. Xavier’s Parish hall in Nuwara Eliya on 6th July 2007. There were nearly 350 cartoon posters exhibited at this exhibition. More than 100 children visited the exhibition and after viewing the exhibition they were given an opportunity to draw a picture on how they see the violations of Human Rights in our society.

Poson Programme (30th June 2007)

2007-07-19T02:54:00.000-07:00

Poson festival is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. According to the Buddhists the Buddhism was taken to Sri Lanka on this Poson day. To mark the even JPHDHR Secretariat organized a Bathi Gee Cart (Carol Singing) to go around Kandy and Mtale area to give the message of peace to the people. A group of children from Ukuwelawatte field was trained for this purpose and they were dressed according to the Sinhala Buddhist culture and were performing the singing very meaningfully and respectfully. Many viewers admired the effort taken by the organization in relevant time like this in Sir Lanka.

Plantation Forum (8th June 2007)

2007-06-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

On the 8th June 2007 the Setik organized a Dialogue Session on the issues of the Plantation Sector people. The programme was held at the Setik auditorium at 10.00 a.m and went on for about four hours. The main objective of this forum was to get the ideas and views of the organizations that work for the Plantation Sector people and prepare a policy document to be submitted to the Government and to relevant authorities. There were six resource persons on the panel from different organizations who work for the marginalized people in the Plantation.

At the Panel:

- Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney – The Director of Setik
- Rev. Fr. Guy Fontgalland – Leo Asharam
- Mr. Jayarathna Maliyagoda - Labour Union of Public Service
- Mr. P. Muthulingam – Institute of Social Development
- Mrs. Shobana Rajendram – Senior Lecturer of Peradeniya University (HR Education Unit)
- Mr. Anthonymuthu – Public Relations Officer – Caritas Sri Lanka

About 60 District Steering Committee leaders of the Plantation Sector (Districts of Nuwaraeliya, Matale and Kandy) actively participated at this Dialogue. The resource persons contributed their views about the present status of the Plantation sector and their organizational experiences in working with these groups. They spoke about basic rights, social issues, health conditions, safety and education of the Plantation people and also they gave their suggestions to uplift the lives of these people. From the audience many issues were raised with regard to their Rights, policies of the Government and about their future. The discussion was quite fruitful and many issues were cleared at the floor. The programme terminated with the decision to prepare a memorandum and hand it over to the government.

“Wesak Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers)

2007-05-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

Each year as an organization Setik celbrates the special days of all religious in various ways. The youth groups as well as the children’s groups of Setik organized a “Wesak Mal Dansala” (Free distribution of flowers) this year to celebrate the Wesak Full Moon Poya Day in a meaningful way. Not only Buddhists who celebrate this Poya Day but also Catholics, Hindus and Muslims actively took part in this programme which held on the 1st May 2007. The flowers were collected the day before from the Matale areas. The flowers were distributed freely to the worshippers who came to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The programme started at 10.00 a.m and went on till noon.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY PROGRAMME

2007-05-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

1st May 2007

Theme:- “ Labourers are the Foundation of the Economy of a country. It is our duty to protect them.”

Venue :- Asgiriya Estate, Matale

Participants :- 250 Plantation Labourers

Resource Persons:-
Mr. Trini Gordon Rayan - Att-at-Law
Mr. A.C.S. Crooz - Co-ordinatior Plantation Programme (SETIK)

The Human Rights Unit of SETIK organized a seminar under the theme of “Human Rights of the Tea Plantation Workers”. The seminar was to provide an opportunity for labourers to understand and to clarify matters pertaining to the work. This was something different for them from their routine May Day rallies and protests.

In organizing this programme the people of Asgiriya Estate had a share in the planning. The programme commenced with the formal welcome given by the people of Asgiriya estate to the Resource Persons & the SETIK Team. The traditional oil lamp was lit and introductions were made before the commencement of the seminar.

The contents of programme of the Seminar

Introduction: How a “Labour Day” came into existence.

- Human Rights
- Issues labourers face - how to seek solutions
- Legal aspect of Rights of Labourers.
- Issues that Plantation Labourers face with managements.
- The Labour Department and the Labourers.
- Employment Provident Fund & Employees Trust Fund.
- Citizenship and Plantation Labourers
- Steps to be taken when a Labourers meets with an accident while on duty.

A very enlightening and instructive talk on the above points was followed by questions and opened discussion.

This programme was facilitated by the Human Rights Unit of SETIK; Mr. Asela Bandara, Mrs. Yamuna Hettige and Mr. Bandara Darmapriya.

To see more photoeshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Universal Women's Day Celebration in Kandy

2007-03-09T00:44:00.000-08:00

97th Universal Women’s Day was celebrated in Kandy on the 8th March 2007. The celebration was organized by Setik organization in two stages. In the morning a group of women had a peaceful protest campaign against the violation of women, on disappearances, domestic violence, the issues of migration and the safety of migrants, the struggles in the kitchen, and the plight of the plantation women. The demonstration was held in front of the George. E. De Silva Park for nearly one hour. After the demonstration the group gathered at the Setik auditorium.

The 2nd stages of the programmes started with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp and welcome address by the Director of Setik Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney at the Setik auditorium. There was a panel of guest speakers to lead the dialogue session under the three major issues faced by the women in our society.

Themes:
- Women’s Rights, Domestic violence and Abusements
- The Rights of the Plantation Sector women
- Rights of the migrating women

The Panel:

Mr. Ashoka Polgasdeniya - A Senior Executive of the Foreign Employment Bureau of Sri Lanka

Mrs. Shobana Rajendram - A Lecturer and the Co-ordinator of the Human Rights Education Unit in the University of Peradeniya

Mrs. Yashodara Kadiragamarthambi - A Lecturer of the Open University and Att-at-law

Mrs. Surangika Ranaweera - Att-at-law, Asian Human Rights Commission

Mr. Sampath Ariyasena - Researcher on migrant issues

Rev. Sr. Kathleen - the Co-ordinator of the Women's Desk of Caritas Sri Lanka

Rev. Sr. Dulcy Fernando - the principal of St. Anthony's Primary Schook, Kandy

After the discussion of about two hours with many questions raised by the participants they were divided into three groups. Mrs. Surangika Ranaweera (Att-at-law) lead the group interested on domestic violence and the rights of women. The second group on the issues of the plantation women was lead by Mrs. Yashodara Kadiragamarthambi and Mrs. Shobana Rajendram. The other group related to migrant workers issues was lead by Mr. Ashoka Polgasdeniya, a Senior executive of the Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Bureau. At these group discussions the participants gained more enlightenment on their rights and how to find better solutions for their problems.

At the end of the group discussions a summary report was read and a decision taken to hand over that document to the media, and to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Women’s affairs. To see more photoes http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Establishment of Vocational Training Centres

2007-03-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Establishment of Training Centres:

We, the Setik organization took the initiative to establish four vocational training centres to help the grass-root level people in the Plantation Sector and in the rural villages. Our main objective of establishing these vocational training centres is to provide the quality trainings to the people to carry out their small industries successfully.

Two training centres established in Bogawanthalawa and Talawakelle (Plantation Sector – Nuwaraeliya district) and they were declared opened on 3rd February 2007. The Director of Setik Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney, Co-ordinating Priest of Nuwaraelya district Rev. Fr. Sudath Rohana graced the occasion.

On 11th February 2007 the other two centres were opened, one at Galewela and the other at Nikawehera (Rural Areas – Matale district) Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando the Bishop of Kandy was the Chief Guest and the Director of Setik, Parish Priests of relevant Parishes and the staff of Setik participated at this event. The loans were handed over to the members of the women’s groups to establish their income generating schemes.
To See Photoes http://www.flickr.com/photos/setik-kandy/

Celebration of Independence Day

2007-02-14T22:17:00.000-08:00

Celebration of Independence Day

(4th February 2007)

This year’s National Day programme took place at Ukuwelawatte to celebrate 59th anniversary of Independence in Sri Lanka. The highlight of the programme was to build up an inter-religious and inter-ethnic atmosphere. The religious leaders of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Catholics hoisted the respective religious flags. The Chef incumbent of North Central Province Ven. Udalumada Gunarathana Thero hoisted the National flag and pigeons were released to mark the freedom of our nation. The Religious Leaders in their addresses highlighted the importance of independence and the responsibility of each individual. Nearly 500 people of different ethnicity graced the occasion.

Plantation Workers Present Situation

2007-01-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

Plantation workers carried out a strike of 15 days requesting to increase their day’s wage from Rs. 135/- to Rs. 300/-. These wages increments is included in the collective agreement signed on 19/12/2006 at the Presidential Secretariat by the His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksha, between the Federation of Plantation employers and the leaders of Plantation trade unions. Mr. Lalisth Obeysekara has signed in this agreement on behalf of the Federation of Plantation employers. The following Plantation trade unions leaders signed on behalf of their unions.

Ø Mr. Arumugn Thondaman - Ceylon Workers Congress
Ø Mr. K. Velayutham - Lanka National Estate Trade Union
Ø Mr. S. Ramanthan - Federation of Plantation Trade Union

The wages structure accepted in these agreement as follows.

Basic Wage per day - Rs. 170.00
Cost of living allowance per day - Rs. 20.00
Allowance for 75% attendance - Rs. 70.00
Total - Rs. 260.00

Allowance for additional leave per day - Rs. 9.00 per Kilo Gram.
(Earlier rate was Rs. 7.00)

Though the Plantation workers requested to increase their day’s wage as Rs. 300.00 the collective agreement accepted only Rs. 260.00

Kandy on The Current Situation of the Tea Plantation Workers

2006-12-15T01:43:00.000-08:00

A Statement issued by the Chairman of Justice Peace Human Development Human Rights Secretariat (SETIK)

15th December International Tea Day

It is with deep concern that we observe the situation that has arisen in the plantation sector, where large numbers of plantation workers have engaged in industrial action during the last 10 days in support of their demand that their wages be increased from Rs.195 to Rs.300. Since the last collective agreement between trade unions and employers in the plantation sector was concluded, daily wages in tea plantations have been frozen at Rs.135, plus a 60-rupee allowance, which was tied to attendance, workload and prices for tea, with the result that many workers did not receive the full Rs.195, even on the days they were able to work. However, the Central Bank states that during the same period, the average daily wage in the informal private sector in tea cultivation was Rs.304 in 2004 and Rs.300 in the year 2005. It is therefore clear that where market determined rates of wages apply, a worker in the tea sector would be paid in excess of Rs.300 per day.

In addition, inflation has been at 7.6 in 2004 and 11.6 in 2005, and has been much higher in 2006 due to the impact of soaring fuel prices. This means that the plantation worker has had to bear the brunt of the increase in the cost of living. The Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Act (BRAWA) (2005) enacted in Parliament and which became effective from 1 August 2005, increased private sector salaries by Rs.1,000 in parallel to the increase in public sector salaries under the Budget Proposals 2005. The Central Bank states that the objective of this act was to protect private sector employees from the rising cost of living.

However, the provisions of this Act were also denied to plantation workers. In these circumstances, it must be clear that plantation workers would be driven further into poverty.

Plantation workers are among the lowest paid and most oppressed sections of the Sri Lankan working class. They live in semi-serfdom with every aspect of their lives revolving around the plantation—from the barrack-style accommodation to the provision of education and health services. National data on poverty indicate that 30 per cent of the estate population live below the poverty line. Nearly a quarter of all estate households are also considered to be poor, as compared to a national average of 19.2 per cent of households. Given that these plantation workers exist at a subsistence level, they have no way of overcoming the continuous reduction in their daily income due to the escalating cost of living.

The impact of this strike on plantation workers is especially critical at this time of year, when many amongst them were looking forward to celebrating the feast of Christmas. To lose their wages due to strike action during this time is especially difficult for these workers; in addition, workers with school-going children who need new books and equipment for the new school year in January will find this reduction in income a great hardship. That they have taken the decision to engage in strike action therefore indicates how desperate they have become under a system where they and their families are progressively denied an equitable standard of living.

The Government in the New Development Strategy announced in the recent budget speech, has declared a vision for the next ten years of “A future of peace and prosperity in which all Sri Lankans enjoy a better quality of life free from poverty and deprivation, through the promotion of opportunities for women and men to obtain productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity”. This is in line with the contents of the election manifesto of His Excellency the President, where he stated that “[he] will support the plantation community to stand on their own like any other citizen….”. Therefore, the Government has clearly recognised the right of the plantation community to live a life of human dignity.

We therefore call upon the plantation companies to arrive at a speedy resolution of this dispute. While we appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Labour Relations and Employment to negotiate a settlement, the resolution of this problem must ensure that plantation workers, who have for generations contributed towards creating the national wealth, receive a living wage and an equitable share of the wealth created by them.

Rev. Fr. George Sigamoney Bishop Vianney Fernando

Director Chairman

Our main concern in the elimination of Police torture

2006-12-14T01:48:00.000-08:00

'Human Rights', 'Fundamental Rights' and 'Rights' are common topics spoken of in the world today – very specially with reference to violation of Rights. There are Wars and Armed Conflicts in many countries and Human Rights organizations complain of various violations of Rights of civilian people. A high proportion of such violations prevail in the South Asian Regions according to the records of the international human rights agencies. The rate of such violence is increasing rapidly and the number of issues also multiply, especially in Pakistan, Bangaladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

In Srilanka. Approximately 56,000 crimes are recorded per year but of these 25% of the perpetrators are never identified. Only 4% of identified accused are convicted in Courts of Law. These statistics are from records available at the Police Headquarters. Only 4 out 100 accused persons are punished and other 96 escape punishment.

Our main concern in the elimination of Police torture in the Central province of Sri Lanka. People taken into custody by Police are tortured brutally in the process of investigation. Within the past two years we have achieved some positive outcome by our activities. In 2004 we received 25 complaints on torture, where as in 2005 the complaints came down to 15. These complaints covered torture inflicted in various situation in police stations, army camps, prisons, schools, at work places and in domestic service.

Minority Rights are violated on the language issue in the south of Srilanka. When Tamil speaking people go to government offices, the officers are unable to help the Tamil people as the officers do not have a working knowledge of their language. Even at some of the police stations in the central province the complaints are recorded in Sinhala language and the complainants are at a loss as they do not know what has been written.

Police torture is prevailing and the Police Commission is dysfunctional. There are also key weaknesses in policy and loop holes in the law of the country which permits the Police to indulge in torture. SETIK implements lobbying and protests activities to change policies, and minimize violations of Human rights. We plan to eradicate political interference in the judicial system which is a threat to the judiciary and prevents them exercising their duties promptly and justly.

Our implementation of the Project for the past year has definitely had very positive impact on the people and the society in the Central Province. Evaluations of the implemented activities clearly indicated the progress made in ensuring Human Rights. The people informed us of the benefits they received by this project and many people have given written comments on the impact of our project.

There were hindrances and obstacles on our way which we overcame courageously and we feel we achieved our objectives. Encouraged by the positive outcome of the past activities; eight torture cases forwarded to courts, and all cases forwarded to Human Rights organizations for the further advocacy, a vast portion of the people inour working area have became aware of human rights. A good portion of the people of our working area have also felt empowered to over come their violation of human rights. We ask you to join us in continuing this vital advocay to build a more just and better Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan Catholic community working towards Reconciliation

2002-06-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Catholic community in Sri Lanka has organised various gestures of reconciliation, bringing
Tamil and Sinhala groups together in peaceful and meaningful dialogue. Most symbolically, blood donation programmes with people donating blood for the other community, have been organised.

Donating blood has become a symbol of the new sharing- the hope of building life by the saving
of the lives of both Sinhala and Tamil peoples who have found themselves on opposing sides of
the bitter and violent civil war in Sri Lanka. “It is only with pain and sharing that we can bring
about peace,” observed the Bishop of Mannar who was present at one of the Blood Donation
drives at the Mannar Base Hospital

Another gesture of reconciliation was the visit to Kandy and Colombo, of a group of 28 Tamil
children from one of the areas in the North hit by violence. The visit, which took place in the first week of May, was organised by SETIK , the Catholic Commission of Justice, Peace and Human Development, Kandy, SETIK participated in Pax Christi’s Third Asia-Pacific Consultation, Thailand, October 2002.

It was the first time that many of these children had travelled to these cities and for them rivers, mountains, trains and cars were novel sights. A new world was opened to these children. It was also a world of hospitality and friendship, as they were welcomed in parish communities in the cities and villages they visited. In one village, the local people initially came out of curiosity to see the “Tiger” children but were overcome by the fact that these children from the North were no different from their very own. Also notable was the generous hospitality shown to the children by the Algin estate, one of the poorest estates where people have barely enough to eat and where the visitors were welcomed with a generous lunch cooked by the local people.

For most of these children, their visit to the capital Colombo was one of the most exciting
experiences they had. It was indeed with fond memories that they returned home after this
historic peace visit.