A “Solidarity Bridge” for Youth Workers – Melani Manel

The “Bridge of Solidarity” was opened today for young workers of different walks of life in the Free Trade Zone, as a long-standing dream, despite the obstacles. This will greatly benefit our youth.” said Ashila Dandeniya, Executive Director of “The StandUp Movement of Sri Lanka”.

As another unique juncture in the efforts to win the rights of the laborers, the “Solidarity Bridge” was inaugurated on the 23rd of March at 4.00 pm at the “StandUp Sri Lanka Movement” office premises and representatives of sister organizations in Katunayake, Biyagama, Colombo and Negombo, some workers in FTZ and, well-wishers attended the opening ceremony.

Over the years, the “StandUp Movement Sri Lanka” has tried to provide answers to the problems of workers in the Free Trade Zone through various approaches, and as another new step to support them, the Solidarity Bridge was introduced.

“Today, we are starting this kind of essential work while sitting in a very serious global crisis, we are starting this task with even a tiny bit of hope that we will stand on our own two feet in the background of the Global North committing human massacres for the sake of plundering the resources of the Global South for its own well-being,” said Ashila Dandeniya the Executive Director of “The StandUp Movement of Sri Lanka”.

Also, She pointed out that the FTZ workers who keep the country’s economy on their shoulders and contribute a lot to the economy are currently living under a lot of pressure in the face of global and national crises.

“As a group that talks about the problems of laborers, seeks solutions, and directs workers to those solutions, we, the “StandUp Movement” have identified, and our experience in the last few years is to talk about their problems, create opportunities, create platforms, create spaces that we should think and act differently. So, as a result of thinking and acting in such a way that the “Solidarity Bridge” will be opened today”.

Explaining the direct services provided to the workers of the FTZ through the ‘Solidarity Bridge’ Ashila Dandeniya said, “If the laborers don’t get a nutritious meal, if the worker who works hard all day has no place to relax and meet a friend, if there is no place to read a book freely without being stuck in the boarding places, if there is no place to celebrate their birthday with friends, then we thought we stand-up should create that space for them.” She said.

“If there is no way to get the documents and necessary information from the government, if there is a big gap between them, then we need to break that gap. If the workers cannot bring them to their boarding room when their parents and relatives come to visit them and have to waste time on the roads, we should create a place for them to meet and talk,” Ashila added.

In addition, Ashila Dandeniya mentioned that this “Solidarity  Bridge” will provide a space for the labor sisters to get an answer to their burning problems through getting good counseling services and obtaining food for the amount of money they have, especially for those who are in informal jobs and are hungry, will be facilitated to get a meal without staying” she mentioned.

She also said that, “Starting today, we are trying to advance the cooperation bridge as well as possible by developing the ideas and attitudes of the workers and fulfilling their needs in the best possible way”.

“Standup Moment Sri Lanka” is giving a great service to the LGBT community. But, there are still strange attitudes about that community in Sri Lanka. This community employs a significant number in the FTZ and there are times when they face various challenges as well as troubles. However, the LGBT community can enjoy the facilities provided by this cooperation bridge without any problem and get mental healing through it” said Chenura representing the LGBT community.

A Women Police Officer was also present at the opening ceremony of the “Solidarity Bridge” and said that she is very happy about the “StandUp Movement” taking the initiative to provide this kind of good service and that this service will give a lot of strength to her work too in the police station.

“We face many problems at our workplaces. There is no time to think about them. No one to talk to. No way to get the right advice. But starting today, we will get a lot of convenience through this “Solidarity Bridge”. We workers will get those needs and many other facilities. I feel very happy,” said Sridharan Nilani, a young woman working in the FTZ.

The Talk shop, Eco Hub, Food stall, Art Gallery, Library, Meeting room, and Conference Hall at the “Solidarity Bridge” will give space with love and concern to all the workers at FTZ as well as the community of LGBTIQ.

END.