Sri Lanka’s Malayaha, or hill-country Tamil, community faces systemic barriers that continue to hinder their progress, the United Nations Resident Coordinator has said.
“The Hill-country Tamil community exemplifies resilience, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress,” Marc-André Franche said.
He was speaking at the Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference, held on 27 and 28 January 2025.
“This conference is a vital step toward empowering this community through education and actionable research.”
The conference was jointly supported by the United Nations in Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Japan, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the hill-country Tamil community’s arrival in Sri Lanka.
“Through collaboration, we can ensure sustainable development that truly leaves no one behind.”
Organized by the Law and Society Trust in partnership with the Young Researchers Network, the conference brought together educators and young researchers from the hill-country Tamil community.
This initiative has cultivated a network of young teachers and researchers, predominantly women, who have been trained by senior academics to develop research on key issues including land rights, education access, employment, and gender equality.
The conference showcased research that delves into the socio-economic challenges affecting the community.
“It served as a platform for dialogue, aiming to foster sustainable solutions and broader social change, particularly through improvements in education, housing, and working conditions,” a joint statement by UN in Sri Lanka and the Japanese embassy said.
The embassy emphasized its shared commitment with the United Nations to fostering resilience and inclusive growth.
Deputy head of mission Kamoshida Naoaki stressed “the importance of human security and the empowerment of vulnerable communities including their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities”.
“Both the United Nations and the Embassy of Japan reiterated their commitment to addressing to the socioeconomic challenges faced by the hill country community and its sustainable development.”
“This participatory research initiative by young teachers and researchers will provide ideas for the continued development of education in the Hill Country. This includes support for educational infrastructure, training facilities for teachers, and relief to school children, particularly amidst the economic crisis,” said Ahilan Kadirgramar, a Senior Researcher supporting Young Researchers Network.