The Baranda Estate Historic High Court victory marks a significant milestone in the struggle for Plantation Workers’ (Malaiyaha Community’s) Land Rights in Sri Lanka. For decades, Malaiyaha Community, descendants of colonial-era indentured laborers, have faced systemic landlessness and poor living conditions. The Baranda Estate; located in Kandy District, Central Province was maintained by the Government established under the name of Janatha Estate Development Board (JEDB) since 1976. Hundred Hectares of land from this estate was sold to a private company by the government in 2012 threatening the habitat where residences, Temples, Preschool, playground and other community institutions were there for over 200 years. 

A court case was filed against the community by the Private company and ruled in favor of them. Which gave the power to evict the community from the land. This case highlights the intersection of economic, social, and ethnic marginalization faced by Malaiyaha community. Despite contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s Tea Industry, community have historically been denied ownership of the land they live and work on. After the verdict, Community and MONLAR appeal to High Court over violation of community’s right to ancestral land; after 4 years a positive verdict was given by the Kandy High court stating that the community cannot be evicted since the previous verdict was given without considering the Community’s side of the case showing the gross negligence of the Legal System when it comes to the Marginalized.  

The High Court’s verdict emphasized the state’s obligation to uphold land reform policies and human rights of Malaiyaha Community, reinforcing the principle that Right to Land is essential for Dignity. Activists have hailed the judgment as a step toward justice for a community long excluded from land ownership debates. MONLAR was able to play a pivotal role in the Baranda Estate victory by advocating for Malaiyaha Community’s Land Rights through legal support, grassroots mobilization, and policy lobbying. 

However, the implementation of the ruling remains a critical challenge. While the legal victory is monumental, systemic barriers—including corporate resistance and bureaucratic delays—could hinder progress. Advocacy groups urge swift enforcement and policy reforms to ensure similar cases are resolved justly. The Baranda Estate case serves as both a legal triumph and a call to address broader land rights inequalities in Sri Lanka’s plantation sector.

• DATE : 12th of September 2025
• STARTING TIME : 7.30 AM
• DISTANCE FROM NICD: 60km
• TRAVELLING TIME: 2 hours
• Maximum number of participants is 50
• Breakfast will be provided at NICD or hotel
• Lunch will be provided on the site, local food and fruits will be provided by the community.