Plantation Human Development Trust

Celebrating Excellence Across PHDT Regions

In line with the 33rd Annual General Meeting of PHDT, held on 27th March 2026 at Grand Monarch, Thalawathugoda, a special segment was dedicated to recognizing outstanding performance across its regional operations.

Awards were presented to honor excellence and commitment in service delivery, with recognitions given for:

Best Child Development Centre (CDC) – Region-wise
Best Estate Workers’ Housing Corporative Society (EWHCS) – Region-wise
Best Regional Office
TAGS award received from ICASL
These awards acknowledge the dedication, innovation, and hard work demonstrated by PHDT teams in uplifting the living standards and wellbeing of plantation communities.

The recognition not only celebrates achievements but also encourages continuous improvement and excellence across all regions, reinforcing PHDT’s commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable community development initiatives.

PHDT 33rd Annual General Meeting – 27th March 2026

The 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) was successfully held on 27th March 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at Grand Monarch, Thalawathugoda.

The meeting commenced with the formal convening of the AGM, followed by an address from the Chairman, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, who highlighted PHDT’s achievements and ongoing initiatives in uplifting plantation communities. A memento was presented to the Chairman in recognition of his dedicated leadership.

The Director General, Mr. Lal Perera, addressed the gathering, emphasizing PHDT’s ongoing projects and commitment to community development.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. R. V. A. N. P. Wijeratne, Regional Director – Ratnapura, expressing gratitude to all participants, partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of the AGM.

The 33rd AGM not only highlighted PHDT’s achievements over the past year but also reinforced its commitment to education, community development, and excellence across plantation regions.

Global Partnership in Action: German Delegation Visits Highforest Hybrid Preschool - Nuwara Eliya

Marking a significant milestone in early childhood development within the plantation sector, a high-level German delegation visited the newly established Hybrid Preschool at Highforest Estate on March 13, 2026. This visit, hosted by Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) - Nuwara Eliya, offered the international team a first-hand look at the innovative "hybrid" educational model—a concept designed to bridge traditional learning with modern, holistic developmental needs tailored for estate communities.

The day’s activities blended environmental stewardship with community heart; the delegates participated in a tree-planting ceremony on the preschool grounds, symbolizing a shared commitment to sustainable growth. The visit concluded on a high note with a gift distribution ceremony that brought immense joy to the young learners. This successful collaboration was made possible through the collective efforts of the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), the Highforest Estate Manager and staff, and the team from HEMAS, all of whom are working together to reshape the future of education in these regions.

On 03.02.2025, the Rainforest Alliance, together with the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), held a collaborative meeting at the PHDT Head Office.

The programme focused on empowering plantations to adopt sustainable practices while simultaneously conserving forests and protecting biodiversity. Through strong partnerships and knowledge sharing, the initiative supports a future in which livelihoods and ecosystems thrive together across Sri Lanka's plantations.

This collaboration highlights the importance of responsible plantation management, environmental conservation, and community development, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. 🌱

Ray of Hope – Phase I: Certificates Awarding Ceremony Concludes Successfully in Galle Region

The certificate awarding ceremony for "Ray of Hope – Phase I," a collaborative English language project between the CTTA and the PHDT, was successfully concluded at 10th January 2026 at the PHDT Regional Office Auditorium in Galle.

The event marked a significant milestone in the partnership, aimed at empowering students through language proficiency. The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Sanjaya Herath and Mr. Anil Perera representing the CTTA, alongside Mr. Madhava Gunarathne from the PHDT.

The auditorium was filled with enthusiasm as more than 60 participants, comprising students and their parents, gathered to celebrate the achievements of the course graduates. The strong turnout highlighted the community's commitment to educational development and the success of the "Ray of Hope" initiative.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the deserving students, marking the successful completion of the first phase of this impactful project.

Certificate Awarding Ceremony Ray of Hope – Phase I English Project PHDT Ratnapura Region

The Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held on 17.01.2026 at the Regional Auditorium. The event commenced with lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the Chief Guests, Mr. Venpathiraj -Consultant Projects and Mr. Madawa -Manager Projects, Regional Director together with Estate Representatives, parents, students, and PHDT Regional staff.

After the welcome speech by a student, the Regional Director clearly explained the objective of the programme. This was followed by the certificate awarding. Several colourful and engaging items were performed by the students, adding vibrancy to the occasion.

The Chief Guests emphasized the importance of learning English, and parents expressed their willingness to continue the classes.

Before concluding the programme, a student delivered the vote of thanks nicely. After refreshments, the programme concluded successfully.

The awareness programme on Established Start- up Fund for mid-day meals in the Plantation Sector with the financial Assistance of Ahamad Tea Company.

GALLE, January 13, 2026 — Nutrition plays a significant role in child development; however, recent research indicates that 25% of children in Sri Lanka’s estate sector are undernourished. In response to this situation, Ahamad Tea Company has paid special attention to the issue and has come forward to provide start-up funding to Child Development Centres (CDCs) to support nutrition programmes through PHDT.

An awareness programme aimed at improving nutrition for children in the plantation sector was successfully launched in the Galle Region on January 13. The initiative, backed by the financial assistance of Ahamad Tea Company, introduces a Start-up Fund of Rs. 25,000 to support mid-day meal programmes across 260 Child Development Centres (CDCs).

The inaugural event, held at the Regional Office in Galle, was organized by the Galle Regional Director and his team. The programme initially targeted 30 CDCs, bringing together Child Development Officers (CDOOs) from the Kalutara, Matara, and Galle districts. Participants represented several key plantations, including Elpitiya, Horana, Maturata, Namunukula, Kotagala, Talawakelle, and Watawala.

A key component of the launch was the distribution of Growth Monitoring Tools to all selected CDCs. These tools will enable staff to monitor the weight development and overall growth of the children effectively.

The agenda featured in-depth discussions on the utilization of the Start-up Fund and strategies for long-term sustainability, early childhood nutrition, the challenges faced by current morning meal programmes, and emerging trends in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Education (ECE).

Estate management and CDOs expressed their gratitude to Ahamad Tea and the PHDT for the initiative. Welcoming the new facility, they assured their commitment to providing nutritious meals to children every working day.

The programme was attended by the following officials:
Dr. Sarath Amunugama – Director, Health PHDT and team
Regional Director – Galle and team

The following dignitaries participated in the programme representing the estate management:
Mr. Chandana Liyadipita – Senior General Manager, Low Country Elpitiya plantations
Mr. D. U. H. Bulugahapitiya – Deputy General Manager / Estate Superintendent, Divithura Estate
Mr. Sajith De Silva – Senior Manager, Hulandawa Estate
Mr. Mihiran Jayasekara – Manager, Citrus Estate
Mr. Chandana Bandara – Senior Manager, Enasalwatte Estate