Many assume that Sri Lanka’s Tamils fall into one of two categories: militants of the Tiger movement, or a privileged class elevated by colonial favor. But this overlooks a crucial reality. On this island, there are in fact two Tamil communities—one perceived as too powerful and resented, the other too vulnerable and forgotten.

The group elevated under British rule was never the Indian Tamil laborers the British themselves had imported. Rather, it was the indigenous Sri Lankan Tamils, who had lived alongside the Sinhalese for over a millennium. Having earlier experienced Portuguese colonial rule, they were already accustomed to working with foreign powers. This community would later form the backbone of the Tamil independence movement.

By contrast, the “Indian Tamils” brought by colonial authorities were confined to the damp, cold highlands of central and southern Sri Lanka. A typical day meant plucking 18 kilograms of tea leaves for about 500 rupees—roughly two U.S. dollars. Their per capita income remains only half the national average. Many still live in the aging “line houses” built during the colonial era, with leaking roofs that may be repaired only once every forty years.

Their newborns have the lowest birth weights in the country. The proportion of children who have never attended school is three times the national average. They played no role in the civil war, yet each year their labor generates around one billion dollars in foreign exchange for the nation—while suspicion and prejudice continue to shadow them.

One female worker put it plainly: “We’re afraid to leave the plantations. Afraid to ride the bus. Afraid to speak.” Perhaps the only thing that does not look down on them is the tea they have tended all their lives.

Editor’s note: Sri Lanka’s official census has always counted the two Tamil groups separately—Sri Lankan Tamils at 11.2% and Indian Tamils at 4.2% (2012).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may the Indian Tamil tea workers in the highlands no longer be forgotten. Stir just policies and creative support strategies. May the light of the gospel kindle hope in their daily lives. Raise up humble missionaries, medical workers, businesspeople, and social workers to enter the plantations and factories—walking alongside Indian Tamil communities as they move out of poverty and isolation. May the government follow through on housing initiatives for tea workers, improving their education and quality of life. We also pray for the indigenous Tamils in the north, who suffered deeply through the civil war. They need acceptance and trust from the state, and compassionate action from all sectors to rebuild livelihoods and social order. May the orphans and widows left in the wake of the Tigers encounter the Lord who shows kindness, experience His faithful provision, and become small yet radiant witnesses to His love and glory. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.