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
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.
Do justice to the victims of the Tsunami catastrophe
Only a few days more to complete 2 years of the devastation and havoc caused by the tsunami killer waves which struck the coastal belt of Sri Lanka on 26.12.2004 and brought death and destruction to tens of thousands of people who were living in close proximity to the coastal belt in the Districts of Galle and Matara.The Hittetiya camp in the Matara District vouch for the havoc caused on that fateful day. Even today 45 families comprising of 500 individuals live huddled in this camp. These people are faced with the under mentioned problems :-
i. Lack of Sanitation and medical facilities.
ii. Unhygienic toilet facilities with over flowing cesspits.
iii. Camps getting submerged during the rainy season.
iv. Non provision of any relief measures to the families living with the House holders.
v. Lack of standardization in the houses that are being constructed by the parties to whom the government has given the contract.
vi. Failure to solve the housing problem.
A petition embodying the problems faced by the people prepared by the Savisthri Organization in concurrence with the victims occupying the Hittatiya camp was forwarded to His Excellency the President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with copies to the Reconstruction and Development Authority (RADA) and other individuals with authority on 09.12.2006 Regarding the procedure adopted by the Savisthri Organization to ensure that justice is meted out to the victims at Hittetiya camp, the Peoples Planning Commission (PPC) has taken action to inquire the present position of the victims at camp level and prepare a separate petition to exert impacts on the authorities concerned. This is being done at the moment to bring relief to the victims of the tsunami.
For further particulars please contact the Savisthri Organization on the following numbers.
E- mail : sasthri@sltnet.lk
Telephone / Fax : 094 11 2865084
(The attached photographs display the present condition of the victims at the Hittatiya Camp. )
Mini Bank Society Training at District Level
Inorder to regularize the Mini Bank Societies which are in operation in the six Districts viz Galle, Matara, Moneragala, Matale, Anuradhapura and NuwaraEliya, where Savisthri programmes are being implemented, a training was conducted in the three Districts Galle, Matara and Moneragala on 26.10.2006, 14.11.2006 and 20.11.2006 respectively.
The aim of this training was to enable the office bearers of the Mini Bank Societies to work in close liaison with the groups to make the activities of the societies more fruitful and successful in commensurate with the constitution of the Mini Bank Societies.
The under-mentioned programme was formulated for implementation after the training, at District level.
i. T o do a study of the constitution of the Mini Bank Societies at District Level.
ii.To minimize the problems that crop up at Mini Bank Society level through the identification of the responsibilities of the office-bearers of the Mini Bank Societies.
iii.The Galle District members have decided to formulate a code of ethics for the regularization of the activities of the Mini Bank Societies.
The aim of this training was to enable the office bearers of the Mini Bank Societies to work in close liaison with the groups to make the activities of the societies more fruitful and successful in commensurate with the constitution of the Mini Bank Societies.
The under-mentioned programme was formulated for implementation after the training, at District level.
i. T o do a study of the constitution of the Mini Bank Societies at District Level.
ii.To minimize the problems that crop up at Mini Bank Society level through the identification of the responsibilities of the office-bearers of the Mini Bank Societies.
iii.The Galle District members have decided to formulate a code of ethics for the regularization of the activities of the Mini Bank Societies.
A Programme to get the public opinion regarding Peace
Dear All,
As a network of women who stand for social justice, we firmly believe that war cannot be resolved by war and that only a political solution could resolve it. For that we should engage in a dialogue for the formation of human relations amongst the ordinary people of the Northern, Eastern and Southern regions of Sri Lanka and create an attitudinal change amongst them. You and your organization could participate in this programme based on the theme " Visit the region of humanity and not the grave yard where there is death and sorrow".
More information..womensactionforsocialjustice
As a network of women who stand for social justice, we firmly believe that war cannot be resolved by war and that only a political solution could resolve it. For that we should engage in a dialogue for the formation of human relations amongst the ordinary people of the Northern, Eastern and Southern regions of Sri Lanka and create an attitudinal change amongst them. You and your organization could participate in this programme based on the theme " Visit the region of humanity and not the grave yard where there is death and sorrow".
More information..womensactionforsocialjustice
Anniversary of the Mini Bank Society of Anduwatta
The fourth meeting of the Mini Bank Society of Telwatta, Anduwatta in the Galle District which was completely devastated by the tsunami catastrophe, was held on 23.07.2006. This photo shows the women taking an oath to rise against the adverse effects of the tsunami disaster.
The second conference of SAAPE (South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication) was held in the Shanker Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2006 on the theme "Struggle for Grassroots Democracy South Asian Perspective."Representatives from the South Asian countries as well as those from Afganistan, Kashmir and some European Countries too participated.
13 representatives from Sri Lanka representing Women's,Farming, Fishing, plantation fields Labour and Human Rights sectors under the leadership of MONLAR (Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reforms) which acts as the co-ordinator of SAAPE in Sri Lanka participated at this conference.
Photo shows the group that participated from Sri Lanka.
1st row from left :-Fr.Benil,(Plantation Social Forum),Mr.Wejasinghe(Monlar),Mr.Prabath Kumara,Ms.Megalla(Home for Human Rights),Mr.Sarth Fenando(Monlar),Mr. Enbernayagam(Jaffna).
2nd row from left:-Mr. Shamila Indika (Monlar),Miss. Prarthana(Savisthri),Mr.Lalith Abesinghe(Sathyodaya),Mr.Samith Roshan(Nafso),Mr. Saranapala,Ms. Kalyani Attanayaka (Womens Development Center),Ms.Sugala Kumari (People's Planning Commision).
Discussion with Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources"Women's Action for Social Justice" organized a discussion with His Excellency, President of Sri Lanka and members of Parliament on the "Women's Declaration for the Betterment of the country". Accordingly the first discussion was held on 2006.06.13 with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Mr. Felix Perera at 3.00 p.m. at the Fisheries Ministry.
The following decisions were taken at the meeting with the Fisheries Minister :-
1. Inauguration at regional level purchasing of fish from the fishermen and marketing of same with the interference of the Ministry of Fisheries.
2. Formulation of a method of distribution of fish to the central parts of the country and provision of transport facilities for same.
3.Immediate stoppage of the importation of dried fish and tinned fish and the opening up of a tinned fish factory in the island in the course of this year to raise the local fish production.
4. If meetings of the fisheries sector are organized at regional level, the assurance that the Minister's participation and assistance would be given.
The under – mentioned participated at this meeting held with the Minister :-
Padma Pushpakanthi (Convener of the Network), Mary Princy (Janawabodaya Center), Geetha Lakmini (National Fisheries Solidarity), Roshini Gangani (District Co-ordinator of Savisthri, Galle) Lalani Kalupahana (Savisthri member, Galle) and Shanthi Amarasekara.
With the intention of excerting impacts on the government as well as the RADA (Rehabilitation And Development Agency )requesting that the problem of the Tsunami victims living in camps be solved, a banner with the slogan
" DO JUSTICE IMMEDIATELY TO ALL THE COMMUNITIES IN THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH OF SRI LANKA AFFECTED BY THE TSUNAMI CATASTROPH AND THOSE LEADING MISERABLE LIVES IN THA PLANTATION SECTOR."
Containing Signatures of several individuals prepared on a suggestion made by the Farming , Fisheries, and Plantation sectors who participated at the Women' s Congress of the "Savisthri" Organization held at the Radella sports ground, Nuwaraeliya was hand-over to the RADA at 1300 hours on 15.05.2006 by a team of Savisthri members handed by the National Secretary M/s. Padma Pushpakanthi followed by a discussion with the RADA representative. Based on this discussion and to apprise the Media regarding the present situation of the Tsunami victims ,a press conference was held with the media From1500hours to 1600 hours on the same day at the Nippon Hotel ,Colombo.
The photo shows the representatives of the activists of the Savisthri Women's Network. From the left; Ms.Lalani kalupahana(Galle District), Chamila Nanayackara(Tsunami Program Cordinator GalleDistrict) ,P.M .Dilruckshi( Taunami Programe Cordinator Matara District ) , Padma Pushpakanthi (National coordinator of Savisthri),K.W.Padmini(Galle District) and R.A .Pathmalatha (Matara District)
This photo shows Mr. Sarath Fernando the Joint secretary of MONLAR "Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reforms" which movement has closely been associated with the Savisthri Organization explaining the activities of Savisthri, the problems of the plantation sector and the adverse effects of the various development plans implemented by the government. On the right is Mr. Francis who translated it into the Tamil language.
The alternate products exhibition and the sale was held under the second stage of the National Women's Congress. Here various items produced in the six Districts where Savisthri programmes are implemental were displayed at the exhibition and the photo shows some such items.This shows the Savisthri members from the Moneragala and Matale Districts selling the items kept at the trade stalls and the various trade stalls put up by the groups.
An Active Member of Savisthri
M/s Sandalatha lives in the Yatawatta Divisional Secretary's Division in Matale. She is a very active member of the Savisthri organization and possesses a good knowledge of home gardening using organic fertilizer. She gives her knowledge in this regard to the Savisthri members in the Matale district. This photo shows M/s Sandhalatha , as a representative of the farming community explaining her experiences to those gathered at the National Women's Congress.
Asian Social Forum -March 23rd-29th in Karachi
Eight Savisthri Staff members participated to the Asian Social Forum in Karachi in March 2006. The team contained four Grass-root level representatives and four District Cordinators. The representatives presented key issues of Savisthri's current programme, such as ensuring the rights of Tsunami survivors and adverse effects of Globalization.
In this photograp we see Sri lankan representatives demonstrating along with other Asian women reprentatives on common issues in particular adverse impacts on women.
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