STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF TEA PLANTATION SECTOR ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THEIR LABORERS: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CRAIG ESTATE GRAMA NILADHARI DIVISION IN BANDARAWELA DIVISIONAL SECRETARIAT DIVISION

Abstract

The tea plantation sector is one of the major sources of foreign exchange in Sri Lanka and it significantly contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The majority of workers in this sector are Tamil, and they face considerable socio-economic challenges. These issues are also prevalent in the Craig Estate Grama Niladhari Division, located in the Bandarawela Divisional Secretariat Division. The main objective of this study is to analyse how tea plantations affect the socio-economic background of workers in the estate. The specific objectives include proposing methods to improve their socio-economic status and exploring opportunities for expanding tea plantations. A total of 80 individuals were randomly selected for primary data collection through questionnaire surveys and interviews, while institutional data were used as secondary sources. To analyse the data, the study employed the chi-squared test, GIS analysis, and descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that workers experienced low levels of education, poor nutritional status, and various health problems. Additionally, children demonstrated low engagement in educational activities. Due to financial difficulties, many workers were compelled to seek additional employment outside plantation work, particularly as their families grow in size. Furthermore, the study identified strategies to enhance workers’ income, such as engaging in animal husbandry and vegetable cultivation alongside tea plantation activities. The government and relevant institutions must take necessary measures and provide essential support to improve their living conditions.