From Jayakody Ratnayake
External forces must not be allowed to infiltrate estates and disturb the environment, says Ceylon Planters Society (CPA) President, I. W. Y. K. de Silva.

Calling upon the police to extend maximum co-operation to planters when required, and at times of a crisis, he stressed the importance of maintaining goodwill with the workers.

Addressing a seminar on the topic "Problems within Plantations" organised by the CPA at the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya recently, de Silva said planters are in touch with the Minister concerned and senior police officials to ensure that peace and order on estates are not disrupted.

"The three "Ps" - police, planters and politicians must work together to bring discipline to the plantations. Discipline is lacking, as a whole, not only in Sri Lanka, but the world over. The September 11 attack on the US is ample testimony to this sad fact. So, it’s not surprising that there is lack of discipline on the estates!", he said.

He noted that some estate workers fall prey to trade unionists and resort to violence.

Nuwara Eliya DIG Nimal Mediwaka emphasised that no room should be left for violence on estates. Everybody must endeavour not to create a North-East situation on the plantations.

The economy of the country depends on the tea industry which is a prime foreign exchange earner. The Police are neutral; they don’t take sides, he said.

"We want peace, whether on the plantations or elsewhere in the country", he said.

When the prime minister has been able to bring the LTTE leader to the negotiating table, why can’t the ‘dorais’ enter into a dialogue with their workers during a crisis?, he queried.

Discipline is applicable to both workers and planters, DIG Mediwaka said.

The seminar was chaired by Lal Basnayake, President NEPA, and the vote of thanks proposed by Anil Fernando.