Planters’ Association condemns Jeevan's conduct

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Planters’ Association of Ceylon in a statement decried the verbal abuse by Minister Jeevan Thondaman on Ratwatte estate management

It said that on Sunday, 20th August 2023, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development, Jeevan Thondaman used abusive language and threatened the senior management of Ratwatte Estate, belonging to Elkaduwa Plantations. 

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon vehemently condemns this verbal attack and calls for an impartial investigation.

It added that the situation arose due to non-workers of the estate having put up illegal constructions, which the management wanted removed immediately. 

It went on to note that after reporting the matter to the police, the management exercised their authority to protect the state property as custodians of the land, in accordance with the law. 

The land of Ratwatte Estate belongs to the government with Elkaduwa Plantations having been awarded the management contract for it.

The statement noted that as the apex body of the plantation industry, the Planters’ Association of Ceylon condemn such acts of high-handed, abuse and threat by a government cabinet minister.

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon call upon the Minister to allow the management of relevant plantation companies to resolve such internal issues, in accordance with the laws of the land.

Also Read: Jeevan explains why he intervened in Elkaduwa Plantation melee