Empowering Ex-Planters: Building Global Connections for a Sustainable Future

Introduction:

Sri Lanka is facing the challenges of population aging, which has led to significant changes in the structure and behavior of its society. One noticeable trend resulting from this demographic shift is the increasing re-employment of individuals after their formal retirement. Among various professional categories in Sri Lanka, the work life of planters stands out due to their unique circumstances. Planters lead isolated work lives, residing on large agricultural land parcels, dealing with unpredictable weather patterns, managing diverse employee groups, and living alongside politically motivated residential communities. Moreover, they often face inadequate compensation, lack of appreciation and rewards for their labor. These demanding work lives leave little room when become ex-planters to take control of their post-retirement period independently. However, the Ex Planters-association has emerged as a support system, providing psychological assistance such as counselling / coaching and a network of true friends. To ensure the association's effectiveness and longevity, it is imperative to strengthen it in terms of management and finances, appreciating the unique qualities, courage, understanding, and networking abilities of ex-planters throughout history.

Challenges Faced by Ex-Planters:

Ex-planters in Sri Lanka are individuals who were once actively involved in the cultivation of various crops, such as tea, coconut, rubber, cinnamon, oil palm, export agricultural crops, fruit crops, and forestry, on large plantations across the country. However, they are no longer engaged in these activities. The transition to retirement is not without its challenges, and ex-planters face a multitude of obstacles as they navigate this new phase of life. Having to spend for the higher education of their grown-up children, given them in marriage and attend to their own expenses on escalating cost of medicines are few of the challenges they face. Not all ex-planters are saddled with these problems but good majority who were not lucky to have been born ancestral wealth as the earnings as planters are inadequate to build financial reserves to spend during post-retirement.

The Role of the Ex Planters-Association at national level:

Amidst the challenges faced by ex-planters, the Ex Planters-association has emerged as a vital support system. This association plays a crucial role in providing mental support and a much-needed network of friends to ex-planters. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and understanding, the association helps individuals navigate the complexities of retirement and find solace in the company of like-minded peers who have shared similar experiences. The emotional and psychological support offered by the Ex Planters-association proves to be invaluable during this transitional period until they depart this world.

To ensure the long-term success of the Ex Planters-Association, it is imperative to fortify both its management and finances. Competent and respected ex-planters with a profound understanding of the industry should lead the association, utilizing their expertise to address the unique challenges faced by their peers. A selfless approach, prioritizing collective goals over personal gain or fame, will be essential in this endeavor.

Furthermore, securing adequate financial resources is crucial to sustaining the Ex Planters-Association's operations. Sri Lanka's Department of Social Services must address similar issues of the industry, given the increasing life expectancies in the country. The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), Social Security Board (sosebo), and Plantations Ministry officials have initiated privately funded pension schemes for employees in the largest industry. A comprehensive private pension scheme is required for all workers, staff, and executives in the plantation, small holdings, research, cultivation, and other stakeholder institutes.

The Ex Planters-Association can take a leading role in spearheading this effort by linking up with ex-planters from other countries. They must remain a strong, unified body to connect Sri Lankan ex-planters with their counterparts worldwide and work tirelessly to achieve growth. This lesson applies not only to ex-planters but to all professional groups of retirees, and addressing growth is crucial.

Lalin I. De. Silva was a senior Planter, Agricultural Adviser / Consultant, Secretary General of Ceylon Planters Society, Editor of the CPS Bulleting and Free Lance Journalist.