Plantation Human Development Trust holds 25th Annual General Meeting
The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) held its 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March23rd, at the Coconut Cultivation Board auditorium under the Chairmanship of V. Puththirasigamoney.
Addressing the members, Puththirasigamoney said that the year under review has been a remarkable year with the highest project allocation in the history and was confident that the company is geared to accomplish its challenging tasks in the year to come. He also emphasised that while the need to develop the quality of life of the plantation community has still not been met fully, the Ministry of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development moved in with resources to meet the future challenges whilst welcoming the other supporting ministries, Regional Plantation Companies, trade unions and other institutions to help continue the work and achieve the PHDT’S concept of creating a ‘happy family’ living with dignity.
The PHDT is a tripartite organisation consisting of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL), Regional Plantation Companies (RPCS) and plantation trade unions formed by the GOSL to implement social development programmes to enhance the quality of life of the one million plantation community in the estates managed by the RPCS.
The PHDT functions under a board of directors comprised of representatives from the GOSL, RPCS and TUS spearheaded by Director General L.R. Perera who is supported by the management and the staff attached to the main office in Battaramulla and further strengthened by seven regional offices located in the plantation areas headed by a regional director to implement the many initiatives undertaken to improve the quality of life of the estate community along with the estate management.
The organisation works in close collaboration with the relevant government ministries, trade unions, Regional Plantation Companies, INGO’S, NGO’S and the public/ private sector organisations in conducting the many infrastructure and social development programmes in the plantation sector, including the core activities of housing and infrastructure, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, child care and development, estate worker housing cooperative societies, training and development, sports and welfare and more.
These programmes have enhanced the health and living conditions of the plantation community, thereby improving attendance and assisting workers to be more productive and contribute to the growth of the industry and the economy.
This AGM coincided with the PHDT celebrating 25 years of community service and was well attended by all stakeholders.