Hon. K.V. Samantha Viddyarathna - Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure
2026-02-18
The Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure clarified the division of responsibility regarding workers' rights violations in the plantation sector, noting that the Ministry of Labour holds primary jurisdiction for complaints and interventions. The Minister acknowledged that incidents are nonetheless sometimes reported to their ministry, and confirmed that in such cases, the ministry refers matters to the relevant legal authorities and engages with estate managements within its oversight capacity.
Hon. Speaker, where workers’ rights are violated or harassment occurs, the competent authority for complaints and interventions is the Ministry of Labour. However, as we have an oversight role over the plantation sector, incidents are at times reported to us as well. When such incidents are reported, we refer them to the relevant legal authorities and also discuss with estate managements and take all possible actions within our remit.