CEO’s Forum 2010

The Planters' Association of Ceylon and the Plantation Human Development Trust presented a report on the “Impact Evaluation of Development Projects in the Plantation Sector “

The Planters' Association of Ceylon (PA) together with the Plantation Human Development Trust presented a report on the “Impact Evaluation of Development Projects in the Plantation Sector” to the Chief Executive Officers of the Regional Plantation Companies.

The distinguished gathering included the Chief Guest Dr. P. Ramanujam, the former Secretary Ministry of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, Chairman of the PA, Mr. G.D.V. Perera, Secretary General of the PA Mr.H.M.Goonetilleke, CEO’s of Regional Plantation Companies, Chairman Pro temPHDT, Dr. D.V. Seevaratnam, Board of Directors, Director General, Internal/ Regional Directors and staff of PHDT and the research team.

Mr. G.D.V. Perera warmly welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Ramanujam for gracing the occasion and explained to the audience that a research of this nature was timely and appropriate so as to obtain the perceptions of the beneficiaries of the development work undertaken.

The Research report underscored the positive impacts of the Social/Human development interventions undertaken in the Plantation sector by the PHDT with the unstinted cooperation of the multiple stake holders. It also brought about key areas that require further development, especially, worker housing, pipe borne water, and sanitary facilities. The research further suggested about the suitable measures for reducing the out-migration of the youth from the plantation sector.

The research report was well acknowledged by the CEO's and they actively took part in the discussion. Apart from the presentation of the said report, the initiatives taken by PHDT, in the recent past, were also highlighted. They were the facilitation of ISO accreditation, training and awarding of diploma certificate in child development, obtaining ICTAD registration to undertake major construction work up to C6 & C7 levels and the assembling of computers.

In delivering concluding remarks, Dr. Seevaratnam expressed his appreciation to all the stakeholders and the Plantation community for the development work carried out and explained about the remaining work that need to be completed. He thanked PHDT staff too for their valuable contribution.