2024/2025

1. Mobilization of Trade Unions

As an initiative of our organization, we empowered Tamil workers in Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs) by raising awareness about the power of mobilization and collective bargaining. As a result, factory workers in the FTZs successfully established trade unions within their workplaces.

2. Establishment of Workers’ Forums

We established worker forums in all major Free Trade Zones: Katunayake, Biyagama, and Wathupitiwala. Each forum selected co-leaders who were trained to lead and sustain our objectives.

Forum Co-Leaders:

  • Katunayake: Helan and Jenet

  • Wathupitiwala: Theepa and Banuja

  • Biyagama: Nadhiya and Kogila

These forums have strengthened solidarity among workers, promoted leadership development, and provided a platform for advocating workers’ rights. To date, we have successfully established six worker forums.

3. Identifying Key Labour Issues and Documentation

Through continuous engagement with workers via trainings, workshops, and forums, we identified critical issues affecting them in the workplace. We documented these findings, which serve as a valuable resource for guiding future advocacy and intervention efforts.

4. Awareness on Labour Rights and Positive Change

Our organization has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions to educate workers on their labour rights and how to resolve labour-related issues. These sessions have contributed to increased awareness and empowered workers to take action to protect their rights.

5. Education on Labour Courts and Legal Support

We conducted specialized training programs for migrant women workers in the FTZs, focusing on labour rights and legal remedies through the Labour Court system. Over 100 workers have been directly trained, and they are now sharing this knowledge with their colleagues, helping to spread awareness across the FTZ workforce.

6. Formation of the Landless People’s Alliance

One of our major achievements was establishing the Landless People’s Alliance in the Gampaha District. This initiative was instrumental in promoting land rights among marginalized communities, contributing directly to our mission of supporting the landless and advocating for equitable access to land.

7. Covid-19 Response: Hotline Established

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we established a dedicated hotline to support and provide information to affected workers. This was a crucial step in ensuring workers had access to timely assistance during the crisis.

8. Research Studies Conducted

We conducted three comprehensive research studies in the FTZ areas of Katunayake, Biyagama, Wathupitiwala, and Mirigama. These studies provided insights into worker conditions, challenges, and recommendations for policy and grassroots advocacy.

9. Government Services Workshop

We organized a collaborative workshop to connect FTZ workers with key government service providers, including:

  • Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)

  • Attorney General’s Office

  • Medical Officers of Health (MOH)

  • Department of Labour

This initiative helped bridge the gap between workers and public institutions.

10. Key Impact Figures

  • Worker Forums Established: 4 (Katunayake, Biyagama, Mirigama, Wathupitiwala)

  • Core Leaders Trained: 130

  • Workers Reached: Over 20,000