Deputy Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance Palani Digambaram accuses the government of misleading estate workers with letters instead of deeds, warns of failed SJB–UNP unity talks, and demands fair wages and justice under one country, one law.
Deputy Leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance and Nuwara Eliya District MP Palani Digambaram has openly criticized the government for failing to deliver on promises made to estate workers while also dismissing attempts to unite the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) into one party.
Speaking at a media conference held on the 13th at the Workers’ National Front and Workers’ National Union headquarters, Digambaram stressed that discussions on merging the two parties will never succeed. He explained that while the parties may not unite formally, they could still cooperate and contest future elections together in order to gain power. According to him, the Tamil Progressive Alliance has submitted the same proposal to both parties, suggesting a pragmatic path forward.
On legal matters, Digambaram took a strong stance on the recent incident at the Mount Lavinia court, where a lawyer allegedly obstructed a police officer’s duties. He insisted that justice must be applied equally under the principle of one country and one law. He further commended the government for taking steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable, vowing his full support for initiatives that bring offenders to justice.
Turning to the pressing issues faced by estate workers, Digambaram criticized the government’s approach to housing and wages. He pointed out that under the previous administration, he had successfully provided houses to estate workers along with proper title deeds. In contrast, he accused the current government of issuing only title certificates instead of full deeds, which undermines the long-term security of estate families.
He also challenged the government on its promise to raise estate workers’ daily wage to Rs. 1700 by the end of this year. While President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had pledged to deliver this increase, Digambaram revealed that estate companies have refused the proposal, citing rising production costs of tea. According to him, the refusal exposes a major gap between government promises and ground realities, leaving workers frustrated and underpaid despite their hard labor.
Digambaram emphasized that estate workers remain one of the most marginalized groups in Sri Lanka, contributing tirelessly to the tea industry yet struggling to secure fair wages, housing, and recognition. He warned that misleading announcements and unfulfilled promises erode public trust and deepen the struggles of the estate community.
In his concluding remarks, Digambaram reiterated his party’s commitment to defending the rights of estate workers, supporting anti-corruption drives, and promoting realistic strategies for political cooperation. He stressed that sincerity and accountability must be at the heart of both governance and opposition politics if the nation is to progress.
Keywords: Palani Digambaram, Tamil Progressive Alliance, estate workers, title deeds, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, United National Party, SJB–UNP unity, daily wage Rs. 1700, Sri Lanka tea industry, one country one law, Mount Lavinia court, opposition politics
