Jeevan Thondaman, General Secretary of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), has called on plantation workers to vote for the elephant symbol, representing the United National Party (UNP), in the upcoming general election. Thondaman, who is contesting the election from the Nuwara Eliya district, launched his campaign at Norwood Neweli Estate on October 16, emphasizing the party’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of plantation workers.
During his speech, Thondaman pointed out that over the past four years, infrastructure development for plantation communities had been made possible through the CWC’s efforts under the UNP-led government. He argued that the party had delivered tangible improvements to the region and urged workers to recognize the importance of voting in a way that would continue this progress.
Thondaman raised concerns about certain youth groups from the plantations, who have aligned with independent factions, potentially diluting the vote share of traditional political parties like the CWC. He urged workers not to be influenced by these groups and instead to stand united in support of the elephant symbol.
The CWC leader also addressed the role of young people from plantation families working in Colombo, noting that they often return home during election periods to encourage their families to vote according to different political interests. He highlighted the risks of these influences leading workers away from the CWC’s established policies.
Thondaman further remarked on the fragmentation within the political landscape, particularly among figures associated with former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who have joined various political factions for the election. He reassured the plantation workers that the CWC has always prioritized their welfare over political ambitions and will continue to do so in the future.
The call for unity and trust in the CWC comes at a critical time, as the party seeks to solidify its support base in the plantation sector amidst a shifting political environment.
