Plantation management is not just about academic knowledge or experience—it requires a great deal of common sense in dealing with estate workers and the environment. A planter’s day typically begins with the early morning muster, where field staff receive their daily work instructions. Since weather conditions can change overnight, work schedules may need adjustments. However, despite these challenges, achieving monthly targets is crucial. If targets are missed, planters must submit written explanations detailing the reasons for the shortfall.

One morning, when I arrived at the muster, I found all the divisional workers gathered, demanding justice for a female plucker. Curious about the situation, I called the woman forward and asked what had happened. She looked at me and said, “Sir, last night, my husband slept with the woman next door.”

Taken aback, I asked, “Okay, but what do you expect me to do as your manager best is to lodge a complaint at the police station?”

Before she could respond, the other workers collectively answered, “Sir, you must give justice to this poor woman!”

I was astonished. “How can I provide justice in a matter like this?” I asked.

Their response was immediate and aggressive: “If you don’t, we won’t work today!”

Frustrated by the situation, I confronted the man in question and, in a moment of anger, slapped him. He fell to the ground, and as I reprimanded him, saying, “You enjoyed yourself last night, and now I’m the one suffering the consequences,” his wife suddenly intervened. She cried out, “Sir, please don’t hurt my husband!” She then took his hand, and the two walked away together.

Seeing this, the other workers, satisfied that justice had been served, immediately returned to work.

Looking back, this situation raises an important question: What should a planter do in such cases? Some may argue that resorting to physical action is a violation of labor laws. However, when workers refuse legal intervention and expect immediate justice in their own way, a planter often has little choice but to act based on the situation at hand.

Yasith Hettiaratchi
DMCC Bar Secretary
Estate Manager