UN expert voices support for Malaiyaha Tamils’ rights walk

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery Tomoya Obokata yesterday expressed his support for the ‘Malaiyaha Ezhuchchi Payanam’ walk by the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka. 

“I wholeheartedly endorse the symbolic walk which has been taking place in support of the human rights of the Malaiyaha Tamil community in Sri Lanka,” Obokata said, taking to Twitter. 

Obokata also urged the Sri Lankan Government to intensify its efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of the community.

Members of the community and well-wishers commenced a 16-day walk from Talaimannar to Matale on 29 July to bring attention to the community’s 200-year struggle since their arrival in Sri Lanka to work in the country’s plantation sector and to demand equal citizenship rights.

The group are retracing the route taken by their ancestors who were brought to Sri Lanka by the British 200 years ago. 

Participants in the walk also interacted with community leaders and residents along the route to raise awareness about the numerous challenges they continue to encounter in the country’s tea estates. The group’s journey will conclude in Matale today.