100 Jak plants were distributed amongst the participants by the Campaign for the Protection of Indigenous Seeds and they were given to those representing each and every region to be planted under the suspension of the supervision organizations.
Protection of Indigenous seeds - 100 Jack plants distributed
100 Jak plants were distributed amongst the participants by the Campaign for the Protection of Indigenous Seeds and they were given to those representing each and every region to be planted under the suspension of the supervision organizations.
Decission to meet ministers; Agriculture, Poverty Eleviation & Womens Affairs
A decision was taken to organize a discussion with His Excellency the President, Hon. Ministers of Agriculture, Poverty Eradication, Womens Affairs and on a date decided at the meeting to be held next month to hand it over after the discussion.
Savisthri Sustainable Development Unit
Action is being taken by the Savisthri Sustainable Development Unit to implement an activity for the provision of food devoid of any poison and chemicals for the members / activists of the Savisthri Organization. Mention must be made that action is being taken by this consumer service to obtain and distribute the produce of various members and sister organizations. Under this programmes, action has already been taken to purchase rice known as "Jaiva Lak Sahal" completely free from any form of chemicals produced locally by the "Indegenious Seed Protection Campaign", Eppawela.
Vision of the Savisthri Mini Bank Societies
The Savisthri Mini Bank Societies should go forward step by step if it is to achieve it's vision "self financial management, self-administration for the village.
The above photograph shows the fair held at the Galle District regional congress 2007, where the people had gathered to buy their requirements.
The above photograph shows the fair held at the Galle District regional congress 2007, where the people had gathered to buy their requirements.
Activates of the Savisthri Human Rights Protect Impact Group
Today the Savisthri Human Rights Protection Impact groups are being well implemented in the Six Districts where Savisthri programmes are being carried out viz. Galle, Matara, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Matale and NuwaraEliya. Out of these Six Districts, Matale and Anuradhapura Districts occupy a prominent place. The Anuradhapura District Human Rights Protection Impact Group worked with great zeal to find solutions to the various problems encountered by the masses in that District and they had been able to settle most of their problems. Due to lack of transport facilities, most of the school children had to trek a long way to their schools. In case of illness or to purchase their daily requirements people had to undergo various difficulties to reach the main road. Due to the keen interest taken by the people along with the Savisthri Human Rights Protection Impact Group Anuradhapura, they had been able to get a bus from the Kekirawa Depot. Now the people are quite happy as they can send their children to schools in time and obtain their requirements from the city using the transport facility provided to them. In the supervision of the Provincial Development Work, monitoring and post monitoring work too the Divisional al Secretary's Office at Ipalogama get the assistance of this group. This shows the ability and efficiency of this group in creating changes in the society.
Congress held on the Poverty Day - Sri Lanka
The above congress was held by the network "Women's Action for Social Justice" convened by the Savisthri Organization on 17th October 2007 at the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Hall, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1000 hrs. to 1430 hrs. on the theme "Who Created Poverty" How to eradicate poverty".
Approximately 450 representatives of Organizations in the Districts/Regions, viz. Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Colombo, Negambo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Matale, NuwaraEliya, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Mahiyanganaya participated.
Members both Males and females of the Savisthri National Youth Group of Galle and Matara staged a drama depicting the view that poverty was created and that it could be eradicated.
The convenor Women's Action for Social Justice Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi stated that Various development programmes have been implemented to reduce poverty in the country. A similar new concept to be implemented in the future is the Millenium Development Goals(MDG). Although they seem to be good as concepts, there is a problems regarding the development avenues that are to be implemented to achieve the goals. Experience shows that similar programmes so far implemented to achieve that end has contributed to the increase in poverty. The benefits of such programmes are being reaped by the world powers including a few in the country. Adverse impacts are being directed at the poverty stricken majority consisting of farmers, fisher- folk, plantation workers, migrant workers including women. Hence it is intended to exert impacts on those responsible through a petition expressing our view that in lieu of these a favourble programme for the sustainability of the customary age old livelihoods for the sustenance of the earth could be implemented and hold a congress to create an awareness amongst the masses regarding it.
Several speakers representing the farming, fishing and plantation sectors and migrant workers, explained the various problems encountered by them.
A drama was staged by the Peoples' Cultural group depicting the way poverty was created, how people get subjected to poverty, how the people become dependant and how the powers that be reap the benefits.
A clarification was made regarding the problems that arose with the introduction and implementation of open economic policies in the country after 1977 and how it exerted impacts on the various production sectors in the country as well as the environment Emphasis was laid on all the citizens of the country that it was their responsibility to develop the revival strength of the earth. It is only then that the strength which was amongst the masses in the ancient times could be re-established. This ability lies with the women. The women have the strength to get the whole society involved in this activity.
A public petition on the theme "Let us eradicate poverty and not the poor" was presented to the congress. All the participants placed their signatures to the petition and accordingly there were 485 signatures.
Approximately 450 representatives of Organizations in the Districts/Regions, viz. Matara, Galle, Kalutara, Colombo, Negambo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Matale, NuwaraEliya, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Mahiyanganaya participated.
Members both Males and females of the Savisthri National Youth Group of Galle and Matara staged a drama depicting the view that poverty was created and that it could be eradicated.
The convenor Women's Action for Social Justice Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi stated that Various development programmes have been implemented to reduce poverty in the country. A similar new concept to be implemented in the future is the Millenium Development Goals(MDG). Although they seem to be good as concepts, there is a problems regarding the development avenues that are to be implemented to achieve the goals. Experience shows that similar programmes so far implemented to achieve that end has contributed to the increase in poverty. The benefits of such programmes are being reaped by the world powers including a few in the country. Adverse impacts are being directed at the poverty stricken majority consisting of farmers, fisher- folk, plantation workers, migrant workers including women. Hence it is intended to exert impacts on those responsible through a petition expressing our view that in lieu of these a favourble programme for the sustainability of the customary age old livelihoods for the sustenance of the earth could be implemented and hold a congress to create an awareness amongst the masses regarding it.
Several speakers representing the farming, fishing and plantation sectors and migrant workers, explained the various problems encountered by them.
A drama was staged by the Peoples' Cultural group depicting the way poverty was created, how people get subjected to poverty, how the people become dependant and how the powers that be reap the benefits.
A clarification was made regarding the problems that arose with the introduction and implementation of open economic policies in the country after 1977 and how it exerted impacts on the various production sectors in the country as well as the environment Emphasis was laid on all the citizens of the country that it was their responsibility to develop the revival strength of the earth. It is only then that the strength which was amongst the masses in the ancient times could be re-established. This ability lies with the women. The women have the strength to get the whole society involved in this activity.
A public petition on the theme "Let us eradicate poverty and not the poor" was presented to the congress. All the participants placed their signatures to the petition and accordingly there were 485 signatures.
Workshop on Drama
The Savisthri National Youth Campaign is being re-vitalized by the Education and Communication Unit of the Savisthri Organization. To make this a reality a two day workshop on "Drama" was held on 2007.09.29,30 at the Thalahena Community Educational Centre at Malabe in the District of Colombo. The main objective of this workshop was the formation of a National Street Drama Troupe and a Cultural Group. The idea behind this is to form a fresh youth group well versed in creative activities to contribute towards the country's National Development. The theme of the Savisthri youth campaign is "A complete man, a fulfilled Society."
Anniversary celebrations of the Mini Bank Society at Pattihena in the Matara District
The above Mini Bank Society held it's anniversary celebrations on 20.09.2007 and as was done earlier appointed new office bearers for a period of one year.
This Mini Bank Society dissolved its "Active Loan Committee" on the same day and appointed a fresh committee to perform the relevant activities.
It has 05 small groups and these groups hold their meeting regularly without any interruption. The savings of the five groups are given below:-
Samagi - 27,015.00 Samudaya - 21,150.00
Nishara - 21,594.00 Pubudu - 20,550.00
Prarthana - 19,640.00
As at 20.09.2007, the total earnings of the Pattihena Mini Bank Society stood at 109,946.00. With the loan interest of Rs. 38,670.00 and instant loans of Rs. 11,860 the total assets stood at Rs.160,476.00.
This Mini Bank Society dissolved its "Active Loan Committee" on the same day and appointed a fresh committee to perform the relevant activities.
It has 05 small groups and these groups hold their meeting regularly without any interruption. The savings of the five groups are given below:-
Samagi - 27,015.00 Samudaya - 21,150.00
Nishara - 21,594.00 Pubudu - 20,550.00
Prarthana - 19,640.00
As at 20.09.2007, the total earnings of the Pattihena Mini Bank Society stood at 109,946.00. With the loan interest of Rs. 38,670.00 and instant loans of Rs. 11,860 the total assets stood at Rs.160,476.00.
BOOK LAUNCH ANTHROPOLIGICAL VIEW OF HIV/AIDS
An Anthropoligical view of HIV/AIDS written by Sirimal Peiris published by Savisthri Organisation and organized by the People’s Health Movement was launched on 04 August 2007 at the Nagarodaya Sarvodaya Centre, Danister de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 8.
There was a speciality on the occasion as the people who were in attendance to grace the occasion included people living with HIV, Sex Workers, Politicians, Social Activists and Professionals.
There was a speciality on the occasion as the people who were in attendance to grace the occasion included people living with HIV, Sex Workers, Politicians, Social Activists and Professionals.
Dr (Ms.) Indira Hettiarachchi, Director/ILO Work Place HIV/AIDS Programme was the main speaker. She delivered a very vibrant lecture on the subject and did a good analysis on the book. She said that when we undertake to carry out HIV/AIDS Education Programmes, we cannot underestimate the people living with HIV. Their support to HIV/AIDS control needs to be obtained. We have to respect their dignity and rights and take necessary steps to stop any kind of discrimination meted out to them. Sirimal Peiris has taken efforts to emphasise these factors in his book and Dr Hettiarachchi said that this is a duty of all of us.
Ms Mangalika Princy spoke on behalf of the people who are living with HIV. She appreciated the book very much and she informed those present that the writer from beginning to the end has written about how the rights of the people who are living with HIV has to be protected. She appreciated the efforts taken by Sirimal Peiris and she said that it was a memorable event for them.
A Street Sex Worker addressed the Forum and explained to those present the problems encountered by them and that their right to live as human beings have been violated. She further said that they are the most vulnerable section for HIV, but they could not get awareness on the subject because of the existing discrimination.
Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Peiris, Executive Secretary, National Christian Council expressed his views on the duty of the Religious Leaders to control HIV/AIDS. He mentioned that the Writer has tried to emphasise in his Book to go beyond the traditional way.Politician and Presidential Advisor, Mr Vasudeva Nanayakkara congratulated Sirimal Peiris on his achievement for writing this kind of book and said that he has done a good job. He further said that he has done a sociological study about HIV/AIDS.
Mr BA Ranaweera, Health Education Specialist stated that this book is an eye opener to several paths to control HIV/AIDS beyond the traditional health systems and that this book has shown the value of anthropological approach to control HIV/AIDS.
Dr Dayanath Ranatunga, ILO Workplace HIV/AIDS Control Programme Officer who functioned as the Moderator explained how Sirimal Peiris had tried to say to avoid the victim-blame approach and to use rights-base approach for the HIV/AIDS Control Programmes. He further stated that it is of paramount importance to give due consideration to this idea.
At the end of the session, Ms Padma Pushpakanthi, National Co-ordinator, Savisthri Organisation delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of Savisthri and the People’s Health Movement.
Lastly, those present were invited to have a traditional sweet meat (Halapa) and a cup of herbal drink (Belli Mal (Bellie Flowers).
PH MOVEMENT/SAVISTHRI
www.asianews.it - news article on the SAVISTHRI's protest campaign
AsiaNews.it has published about Savisthri's protest campaign against cost of living:-
07/23/2007 12:13
SRI LANKA Matale,
women take to the streets against “high cost of living” by Melani Manel Perera
The SAVISTHRI movement launches a campaign to protest against the increase in petrol and seed prices, as well as those of basic goods. A petition is sent off to the President to take “urgent measures”. Read the full article here: http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9896&size=A
07/23/2007 12:13
SRI LANKA Matale,
women take to the streets against “high cost of living” by Melani Manel Perera
The SAVISTHRI movement launches a campaign to protest against the increase in petrol and seed prices, as well as those of basic goods. A petition is sent off to the President to take “urgent measures”. Read the full article here: http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9896&size=A
Shramadana (Voluntary work without any remuneration) to clean the coastal area
Date : 23rd and 24th of June 2007.
Venue : Thotamuna, Matara, (Southern Sri Lanka)
Conducted by : The Youth Group , Savisthri Organization, Matara Background /
Introduction
The tsunami which struck the coastal belt of Sri Lanka on 26.12.2004 left a trail of death and destruction.
After the survey carried out regarding Disaster Management, it was suggested to plant coast protection plants in a few selected areas. The Thotamuna coast is one such selected area and before embarking on cleaning work, a discussion was held with the villagers. As decided at the discussion, the coast line was cleaned as a preliminary step.
Aim
Preparation of the environment selected for planting trees.
Induce the youth for environmental programmes.
To keep the masses aware of the importance of environment conservation programme and get their contribution for such activities.
Participation
Members both males and females of "Savisthri" youth groups, members of the Savisthri Mini Bank Societies, men, women and children of the Thotamuna village and activists of the Southern Fisheries Organization participated in this programme of cleaning the relevant site.
The cleaning programme of the Totamuna coastal area commenced at 900 hrs. on 23rd and 24th of June 2007 and the participants were grouped and were allotted specific areas for cleaning. Everybody who participated performed their work with zeal and devotion and the work ended at 1630 hrs.
Mention must be made that there were more participants than expected. Even the members of various socities and organization in the area too contributed their might. This could be cited as an achievement.
On the second day there was less participation and lack of first aid facilities could be considered as failures.
People contributed their share in obtaining the necessary implements required for cleaning purposes. They themselves made provision for the supply of tea to the participants in the morning and afternoon.
"Helpo" institute gave it's assistance in the supply of the requisite implements and activists of the Southern Fisheries Organization contributed it's share in the co-ordination work.
The tree planting programme is scheduled to be carried out in the near future.
Venue : Thotamuna, Matara, (Southern Sri Lanka)
Conducted by : The Youth Group , Savisthri Organization, Matara Background /
Introduction
The tsunami which struck the coastal belt of Sri Lanka on 26.12.2004 left a trail of death and destruction.
After the survey carried out regarding Disaster Management, it was suggested to plant coast protection plants in a few selected areas. The Thotamuna coast is one such selected area and before embarking on cleaning work, a discussion was held with the villagers. As decided at the discussion, the coast line was cleaned as a preliminary step.
Aim
Preparation of the environment selected for planting trees.
Induce the youth for environmental programmes.
To keep the masses aware of the importance of environment conservation programme and get their contribution for such activities.
Participation
Members both males and females of "Savisthri" youth groups, members of the Savisthri Mini Bank Societies, men, women and children of the Thotamuna village and activists of the Southern Fisheries Organization participated in this programme of cleaning the relevant site.
The cleaning programme of the Totamuna coastal area commenced at 900 hrs. on 23rd and 24th of June 2007 and the participants were grouped and were allotted specific areas for cleaning. Everybody who participated performed their work with zeal and devotion and the work ended at 1630 hrs.
Mention must be made that there were more participants than expected. Even the members of various socities and organization in the area too contributed their might. This could be cited as an achievement.
On the second day there was less participation and lack of first aid facilities could be considered as failures.
People contributed their share in obtaining the necessary implements required for cleaning purposes. They themselves made provision for the supply of tea to the participants in the morning and afternoon.
"Helpo" institute gave it's assistance in the supply of the requisite implements and activists of the Southern Fisheries Organization contributed it's share in the co-ordination work.
The tree planting programme is scheduled to be carried out in the near future.
The poor pushed from the frying pan into the fire-Escalation of the prices
Programme
Protest campaign against the escalation of the cost of Living.
Organization
The Savisthri members of the Matale District.
Conducted by
The Savisthri (Women for Development Alternatives) National campaign.
(01). Theme : The poor pushed from the frying pan into the fire-Escalation of the prices of essential consumer items.
(02). The Subject Addressed :
We condemn the escalation of the Cost of Living.
The country's agriculture being paralysed.
The availability of foreign seeds in lieu of indigenous seeds for cultivation purposes.
Date and Time : 17.07.2007 From 1100 hrs. to 1400 hrs
Venue : Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla in the Matale District.
(03). Aim : Instill an awareness amongst the authorities concerned of the high cost of essential consumer items which has become a burden to the masses. Keep the masses aware of the reasons adducing to the escalation of prices. Collection of signatures of the participants for the petition to be submitted to the authorities.
(04). The day's programme
The protest campaign and the peaceful march.
Poster campaign
Display boards
Slogans
Creativities (puppets, masks)
Price list of essential consumer items (Boards indicating the prices of keroson oil, other kinds of fuel, bus fare).
Banners prepared pertaining to the theme.
Street Dramas
Miscellaneous items
Distribution of hand-bills
The rally which commenced from the Dambulla Bus Stand shouting slogans reached the Dambulla Economic Trade Centre after walking a quarter of a mile.
Participation
Approximately thousand personnel participated. According to the name lists of the Districts, 840 participated from the Districts. In addition, personnel from other sister organizations and people in the area (Dambulla) participated.
Districts and areas represented
Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, Anuradhapura, NuwaraEliya, Kurunagala, Negambo, Kegalle, Mawanella, Trincomalee.
Groups that participated
Savisthri members representing the farming, fishing, plantation labour sectors, members of the Human Rights Protection Impact groups, members of the youth groups and members of the other sister organizations.
The undermentioned from the farming and fishing organizations participated.
Those who earn a daily wage by doing odd jobs on a daily basis.
Those who earn money from the sale of the produce in their home gardens.
Customary farmers both males and females now working under farmer businessmen.
Fishermen and fisher women who had earlier depended on their customary fishing industry but now working like coolies under fishing magnets.
Women engaged in self employment (Coir work, making rugs, Maldive Fish, Jaadi (preserved fish) sweet meats, sewing, reed work).
Women engaged in plantations as labourers.
Public Meeting - 11.30 hrs.
Opposite the Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla. The people who congregated here shouted slogans for about 10 minutes :-
Expression of public views.
Expression of the District member's views regarding the impacts and changes in agriculture and in the market.
Moneragala District
Expression of views by Mr. Somapala, a farmer from Handapanagala.
He stressed about the fall of the production activities of the farmers due to the impacts of open economy, usage of chemicals for agricultural purposes, loans taken and not being able to repay them, the frustration of the farmers and farming given up by most of the farmers. He mentioned about the government policies that had crippled the country's agriculture, escalation of the cost of living and that farmers belonging to all the ethnic (Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims) groups should get together and organize themselves to raise agriculture.
Anuradhapura District
Miss. Niroshini Tharangamala, Karambewa, a member of a youth group.
She spoke about the environmental damage caused through modernized agriculture, closure of the avenues of subsistence for the youth and stressed the necessity of organizational work to overcome these obstacles.
Expression of views pertaining to the theme - Mr. Herman Kumara - Convenor – National Fisheries Solidarity.
He pointed out that activities carried out under the leadership of women could exert great impacts. Everybody should value the leadership given by the Savisthri group which would vouch for the saying that the world depend on the rays of the sun and the milk of the mothers. The country's agriculture belongs to women.
Preparation of seeds, conservation of such seeds and sowing of seeds are all entwined with the members of the fair sex, he said. Hence, this could be considered as the commencement where women who have such a right have interfered in exerting impacts to slash down the prices of essential consumer items. It became crystal clear that the suppressed, the farmers, fisher-folk and estate labour should unite and organize themselves against poverty due to escalating cost of living as a consequence of adverse economic policies implemented in the country.
Why women take the leadership - Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi, National Co-ordinater – Savisthri.
She said that women who give birth to children automatically get the right to protect that life and the world. The responsibility of making the world a better place to live in devolves on both men and women. In the absence of a protective sustainable programme in the country, our women are being used as slaves in the economic sphere. Since these unfortunate women work under trying conditions for a mere pittance, the sky rocketing of the prices of essential consumer items have placed a heavy burden on them. As citizens of the country the women should make use of all available opportunities and organize themselves to suppress the obstacles and impacts levelled against them and their livelihoods.
She further stressed that it was because of the rising cost of living which had become unbearable for them that the women had risen against the high cost of living. It is because of that these women have organized themselves to exert impacts on the policies implemented in the country to paralyze the agriculture. This is just a beginning. The petition which is being signed by the masses is scheduled to be handed over to the Hon.Minister of Trade in August 2007 after a discussion with him. Till such time the collection of signatures to the petition will continue.
Street Drama Troupe - Family Relief Service Centre – Kurunegale.
The street drama depicted the following :-
Rising cost of living.
Weakening of the country's agriculture.
Destruction of indigenous seeds.
Utilization of chemicals for agriculture.
Three Street dramas on the above theme were staged for 30 minutes.
Sister Organizations that extended Co-orperation :-
Family Relief Service Centre - Kurunagala
Vanitha Shrama Nikethanaya - Warakapola
National Fisheries Solidarity - (NAFSO)
Co-operative Women's organization - Mawanella (Kegalle)
Eastern United Women's Organization- (Trincomalee) Kantale
Uva – Wellasa Govi Kantha Sanvidanaya Handapanagala
Rajarata Janaprobhodhani Padanama - Anuradhapura
Movement for National Land & Agricultural Reforms - MONLAR
Dambulla Kantha Sanvidanaya
Haritha Vyaparaya
Full Co-ordination of the Programme - Human Rights Programme Unit - Mr. Susil Wijesinghe.
Assistance - Mr. Gamini Ruberu - Programme Co-ordinator
Assistant Co-ordinator - Alternate Economic Unit - Sunethra
Rally and the Protest conducted by – All District co-ordinators including Miss. Neranjala Deepani, Purchasing Officer.
Assistance - Members of the National Active Women's Collective.
Media Institutions that covered the programme :-
The provincial reporter of "Sirasa" - got a voice cut.
Neth F.M.- Did a live programme.
Live programme by MAX.
www.asianews.it
Problems, challenges, failures encountered
We were convinced that more prior preparations should be done in view of certain problems encountered when conducting the rally eg: failure to do a prior check of the Mega –phone. Irregularities in the distribution of slogans. Had to pay more attention to the organizational work as there was less support from the area. Lack of awareness regarding the area where the protest campaign was held. The programme had to be curtailed, in view of the criticism levelled against the rally by a higher officer attached to the Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla and attempts made to suppress the rally.
On the following day (18th July) efforts made by an individual on the pretext of media publicity, giving telephone calls to get at the institutions that give financial assistance to the organization instead of making inquiries regarding the programme.
Less participation from the media both print and electronic.
On the following day (the 18th) a Provincial Reporter of the Newspapers "Lankadipa" , Lakbima and Dailymirror had published a derogatory reports in their papers regarding the protest campaign to the effect that the rally was held with an assurance given to the participants that each would be paid a sum of Rs. 500/- and a rice packet and those who did not get the money and the packet of meals had an argument and it led to an altercation and exchange of obscene words.
Successes
Members in the Six Districts where Savisthri programmes are being implemented participated with great zeal.
Expression of views by the farmers both males and females pertaining to the theme.
Ability to collect signatures for the petition not only from the participants but from the outsiders as well. This protest campaign was amongst various other protest campaigns held throughout the country against the rise of the cost of Living. However, publicity is being given to certain actions that are being taken by the government to implement economic programmes based on agriculture for reducing the cost of living. But we have no faith in such publicity work.
Police personnel deployed in the area gave their unstinted support by words of encouragement given to the activists.
Public Repercussions
Those in the vicinity of the venue of the rally gave their fullest support in various ways as this was a subject which was timely and which was felt by the people. Some people have stated that such programmes like this should be implemented on a given date throughout the country.
It was with the view of expressing his solidarity for such a programme that a particular person who participated at this rally had expended more than one thousand rupees to distribute tea to some of those assembled.
Lessons Learnt
It was felt that prior preparations would minimize the problems to a great extent and that action should be taken to get more assistance from the District Organizations of the District or area where such programmes are held. That there is the ability to convince the masses more than the authorities through such programmes.
There is much mud-slinging to distract and discourage such programmes of a strong stature.
Subsequent Programme
To collect signatures for the petition from July 17th to 3rd August 2007. To discuss this matter with the Hon.Minister of Trade by prior appointment and the "Active Women's Collective" members to hand over the petition to him.
Plans formulated to hold such programmes at District level in the future.
Protest campaign against the escalation of the cost of Living.
Organization
The Savisthri members of the Matale District.
Conducted by
The Savisthri (Women for Development Alternatives) National campaign.
(01). Theme : The poor pushed from the frying pan into the fire-Escalation of the prices of essential consumer items.
(02). The Subject Addressed :
We condemn the escalation of the Cost of Living.
The country's agriculture being paralysed.
The availability of foreign seeds in lieu of indigenous seeds for cultivation purposes.
Date and Time : 17.07.2007 From 1100 hrs. to 1400 hrs
Venue : Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla in the Matale District.
(03). Aim : Instill an awareness amongst the authorities concerned of the high cost of essential consumer items which has become a burden to the masses. Keep the masses aware of the reasons adducing to the escalation of prices. Collection of signatures of the participants for the petition to be submitted to the authorities.
(04). The day's programme
The protest campaign and the peaceful march.
Poster campaign
Display boards
Slogans
Creativities (puppets, masks)
Price list of essential consumer items (Boards indicating the prices of keroson oil, other kinds of fuel, bus fare).
Banners prepared pertaining to the theme.
Street Dramas
Miscellaneous items
Distribution of hand-bills
The rally which commenced from the Dambulla Bus Stand shouting slogans reached the Dambulla Economic Trade Centre after walking a quarter of a mile.
Participation
Approximately thousand personnel participated. According to the name lists of the Districts, 840 participated from the Districts. In addition, personnel from other sister organizations and people in the area (Dambulla) participated.
Districts and areas represented
Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, Anuradhapura, NuwaraEliya, Kurunagala, Negambo, Kegalle, Mawanella, Trincomalee.
Groups that participated
Savisthri members representing the farming, fishing, plantation labour sectors, members of the Human Rights Protection Impact groups, members of the youth groups and members of the other sister organizations.
The undermentioned from the farming and fishing organizations participated.Those who earn a daily wage by doing odd jobs on a daily basis.
Those who earn money from the sale of the produce in their home gardens.
Customary farmers both males and females now working under farmer businessmen.
Fishermen and fisher women who had earlier depended on their customary fishing industry but now working like coolies under fishing magnets.
Women engaged in self employment (Coir work, making rugs, Maldive Fish, Jaadi (preserved fish) sweet meats, sewing, reed work).
Women engaged in plantations as labourers.
Public Meeting - 11.30 hrs.
Opposite the Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla. The people who congregated here shouted slogans for about 10 minutes :-
Expression of public views.
Expression of the District member's views regarding the impacts and changes in agriculture and in the market.
Moneragala District
Expression of views by Mr. Somapala, a farmer from Handapanagala.
He stressed about the fall of the production activities of the farmers due to the impacts of open economy, usage of chemicals for agricultural purposes, loans taken and not being able to repay them, the frustration of the farmers and farming given up by most of the farmers. He mentioned about the government policies that had crippled the country's agriculture, escalation of the cost of living and that farmers belonging to all the ethnic (Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims) groups should get together and organize themselves to raise agriculture.Anuradhapura District
Miss. Niroshini Tharangamala, Karambewa, a member of a youth group.
She spoke about the environmental damage caused through modernized agriculture, closure of the avenues of subsistence for the youth and stressed the necessity of organizational work to overcome these obstacles.
Expression of views pertaining to the theme - Mr. Herman Kumara - Convenor – National Fisheries Solidarity.
He pointed out that activities carried out under the leadership of women could exert great impacts. Everybody should value the leadership given by the Savisthri group which would vouch for the saying that the world depend on the rays of the sun and the milk of the mothers. The country's agriculture belongs to women.
Preparation of seeds, conservation of such seeds and sowing of seeds are all entwined with the members of the fair sex, he said. Hence, this could be considered as the commencement where women who have such a right have interfered in exerting impacts to slash down the prices of essential consumer items. It became crystal clear that the suppressed, the farmers, fisher-folk and estate labour should unite and organize themselves against poverty due to escalating cost of living as a consequence of adverse economic policies implemented in the country.
Why women take the leadership - Miss. Padma Pushpakanthi, National Co-ordinater – Savisthri.
She said that women who give birth to children automatically get the right to protect that life and the world. The responsibility of making the world a better place to live in devolves on both men and women. In the absence of a protective sustainable programme in the country, our women are being used as slaves in the economic sphere. Since these unfortunate women work under trying conditions for a mere pittance, the sky rocketing of the prices of essential consumer items have placed a heavy burden on them. As citizens of the country the women should make use of all available opportunities and organize themselves to suppress the obstacles and impacts levelled against them and their livelihoods.
She further stressed that it was because of the rising cost of living which had become unbearable for them that the women had risen against the high cost of living. It is because of that these women have organized themselves to exert impacts on the policies implemented in the country to paralyze the agriculture. This is just a beginning. The petition which is being signed by the masses is scheduled to be handed over to the Hon.Minister of Trade in August 2007 after a discussion with him. Till such time the collection of signatures to the petition will continue.Street Drama Troupe - Family Relief Service Centre – Kurunegale.
The street drama depicted the following :-
Rising cost of living.
Weakening of the country's agriculture.
Destruction of indigenous seeds.
Utilization of chemicals for agriculture.
Three Street dramas on the above theme were staged for 30 minutes.
Sister Organizations that extended Co-orperation :-
Family Relief Service Centre - Kurunagala
Vanitha Shrama Nikethanaya - Warakapola
National Fisheries Solidarity - (NAFSO)
Co-operative Women's organization - Mawanella (Kegalle)
Eastern United Women's Organization- (Trincomalee) Kantale
Uva – Wellasa Govi Kantha Sanvidanaya Handapanagala
Rajarata Janaprobhodhani Padanama - Anuradhapura
Movement for National Land & Agricultural Reforms - MONLAR
Dambulla Kantha Sanvidanaya
Haritha Vyaparaya
Full Co-ordination of the Programme - Human Rights Programme Unit - Mr. Susil Wijesinghe.
Assistance - Mr. Gamini Ruberu - Programme Co-ordinator
Assistant Co-ordinator - Alternate Economic Unit - Sunethra
Rally and the Protest conducted by – All District co-ordinators including Miss. Neranjala Deepani, Purchasing Officer.
Assistance - Members of the National Active Women's Collective.
Media Institutions that covered the programme :-
The provincial reporter of "Sirasa" - got a voice cut.
Neth F.M.- Did a live programme.
Live programme by MAX.
www.asianews.it
Problems, challenges, failures encountered
We were convinced that more prior preparations should be done in view of certain problems encountered when conducting the rally eg: failure to do a prior check of the Mega –phone. Irregularities in the distribution of slogans. Had to pay more attention to the organizational work as there was less support from the area. Lack of awareness regarding the area where the protest campaign was held. The programme had to be curtailed, in view of the criticism levelled against the rally by a higher officer attached to the Economic Trade Centre, Dambulla and attempts made to suppress the rally.
On the following day (18th July) efforts made by an individual on the pretext of media publicity, giving telephone calls to get at the institutions that give financial assistance to the organization instead of making inquiries regarding the programme.
Less participation from the media both print and electronic.
On the following day (the 18th) a Provincial Reporter of the Newspapers "Lankadipa" , Lakbima and Dailymirror had published a derogatory reports in their papers regarding the protest campaign to the effect that the rally was held with an assurance given to the participants that each would be paid a sum of Rs. 500/- and a rice packet and those who did not get the money and the packet of meals had an argument and it led to an altercation and exchange of obscene words.
Successes
Members in the Six Districts where Savisthri programmes are being implemented participated with great zeal.
Expression of views by the farmers both males and females pertaining to the theme.
Ability to collect signatures for the petition not only from the participants but from the outsiders as well. This protest campaign was amongst various other protest campaigns held throughout the country against the rise of the cost of Living. However, publicity is being given to certain actions that are being taken by the government to implement economic programmes based on agriculture for reducing the cost of living. But we have no faith in such publicity work.
Police personnel deployed in the area gave their unstinted support by words of encouragement given to the activists.
Public Repercussions
Those in the vicinity of the venue of the rally gave their fullest support in various ways as this was a subject which was timely and which was felt by the people. Some people have stated that such programmes like this should be implemented on a given date throughout the country.
It was with the view of expressing his solidarity for such a programme that a particular person who participated at this rally had expended more than one thousand rupees to distribute tea to some of those assembled.
Lessons Learnt
It was felt that prior preparations would minimize the problems to a great extent and that action should be taken to get more assistance from the District Organizations of the District or area where such programmes are held. That there is the ability to convince the masses more than the authorities through such programmes.
There is much mud-slinging to distract and discourage such programmes of a strong stature.
Subsequent Programme
To collect signatures for the petition from July 17th to 3rd August 2007. To discuss this matter with the Hon.Minister of Trade by prior appointment and the "Active Women's Collective" members to hand over the petition to him.
Plans formulated to hold such programmes at District level in the future.
The workshop on "Gender" held on 16.05.2007
This workshop was held entirely for the staff of the Savisthri Organization including the organization's District and Field Co-ordinators in the Six Districts where Savisthri programme are being implemented. Venue : Hivos Office, Fife Road, Colombo 03.
Date and time : 16.05.2007 – From 0900hrs to 5.00 hrs.
Resource Person : Miss. Menaha Kandasamy
Aim : To develop the knowledge of the Savisthri staff regarding the gender concept prevailing in the society.
Introduction : Miss. Faisun Zakariya, Sri Lanka Co-ordinator, Hivos Institute, explained in a nutshell of the gender concept and introduced Miss. Menaha Kandasamy to the staff of "Savisthri".
At the outset Miss. Menaha explained about the biological difference between man and woman. It is only a sex difference, a difference in features. But from time immemorial this difference has been in existence where a male has been considered an superior to a female. This difference is rooted in our society in such away that even today a woman whilst engaging in work to earn a living has to attend to all the household chores all alone.
She explained that even today in families sons and daughters are treated in a different manner. Parents always give preference to sons than daughters. Sons are provided with all the nutritious food whist less attention is paid to daughters. This difference prevails even in offices where consideration is given to the males.
This programme was continued on 26.06.2007 at the Community Education Centre, Talahena. At this, it was emphasized how the class destination came into existence. It is the woman who is pressurized by all these class distinctions. She gave an exercise to take this issue before the people in various strata in the society.
The next programme will be conducted in a couple of months time.
International Women's Day Celebrations – 2007
The International Women's Day was Celebrated by the "Women's Action for Social Justice " a composite of 174 Organizations convened by the "Savisthri" (Women for Development Alternatives) Organization on 12.03.2007 at the Open Air Thearte of the Vihara Maha Devi Park Colombo, Sri Lanka from 1100hrs.to 1430hrs.Number of participants expected was 1000. It is a pleasure to indicate that more than 1000 participated from the Districts of Trincomalee, Puttalam, Gampaha, Galle, Monaragala, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Matale, NuwaraEliya, Colombo and Ampara representing farmers, fisher-folk, plantation workers and those in other fields from Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim ethnicities.
The convenor, Miss Padma of the Savisthri Organization welcomed all the participants and explained the objectives of the programme.
The theme was " To a land of humanity devoid of hunger, war and killings."
Several banners and cutouts were displayed on :-
i. "Voice of the women against hunger and obstruction to the right to live a life free from fear."
ii. "To a land of humanity devoid of hunger, war and killings."
iii. "Difference in the price index of the essential consumer items in the North and the South."
Those banners and cutouts were displayed both in the Sinhala and Tamil languages.
Three lectures were delivered highlighting the following objectives :-
(i). The International Women's Day would be more meaningful by erasing the age old vision regarding women and to convince the importance of giving due place for women to create a better society.
(ii). The escalating prices of essential consumer items are unbearable for the poor masses. This burden felt by the poor in the South is ten times heavier for those in the North who are battered by a war raging for more than two decades. Hence to exert impacts on those in authority to bring down the prices of the essential commodities.(iii). The women suffer the most due to the war situation and the terror activities prevailing in the country. People are living in fear and have lost their freedom of speech. Hence to exert impacts on both the government and the rebel groups to stop all the atrocities and create a peaceful atmosphere in the country instead of waging a war.
Speech
(i). Mrs. Gloria de Silva of " Family Relief Centre" stressed the importance of organizing themselves in the context of the present situation prevailing in the country.
(ii). Mrs. Mari Princy of " Janawabodha Kendraya " said that due to the war raging on in the North and the East, the prices of essential commodities had sky rocketed and people were faced with financial difficulties and the women suffer the most due to this condition.
(iii). Mr. Linus Jayathileke, a Trade Union activist said that the mothers as women had the right to implement an organized activity and had the opportunities to do so.
Various organizations and sectors gave their support and strength to make the event a success.
Added to this two Street Dramas were staged depicting the present situation prevailing in the country.
(i). A street drama depicting domestic violence, escalation of the prices of essential commodities, pressure and the burden placed on the women regarding the provision of daily requirement for the family and the protection of the children.
(ii). A street drama depicting the conflict situation prevailing in the North and the East and the resultant pressure and the burden placed on the women.
Hand bills indicating facts relating to the relevant themes were distributed amongst the participants. The provocative attitude of the media where they are biased and publish reports fanning the flames of war and permanent displacement of people too were embodied in the hand bill.
At the end the participants proceeded from the Vihara Maha Devi Park towards the Lipton Corcus in a procession carrying placards. It was a silent protest march with the mouths tied with black bands. The crowed disperced at about 1430hrs.
The whole programme was a success.
Impacts
Media Co-ordination / Publicity work.
Print Media - " Lakbima " paper had published a short account of the event together with photographs in their
daily paper on the following day.
BBC - Some excerpts of the interview held by the Broad-Casting Corporation had gone on the air in
the "Sandeshaya" programme.
Challenges
Although this programme was initially scheduled to be held on 2007.01.14 it had to be postponed twice due to the prevailing situation in the country and due to lack of time for proper organization of the event.
Even the basic organizational work had been done with certain alterations.
The programme originally planned to exert impacts to achieve peace subsequently had to be carried out based on the International Women's Day.
Due to the prevailing conflict situation in the country the network "Women's Action for Social Justice " implemented the programme although it had some fear.
Lessons learnt
We realized that there was a limitation to the threats for impacts exerted by the women.
The realization that programmes planned should be changed in keeping with the prevalent situation.
Evaluation
The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 21st instant and it is expected to subject this programme held on 12.03.2007 for evaluation.
Padma Pushpakanthi, Convenor, Women's Action for Social Justice.
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