In late 1919 and early 1920, there were lively activities on almost all estates in and around Kandy, Matale, Hewaheta, Kelani Valley and Kurunegala – which were major planting districts then. There were parties at the Head Clerk’s and clerks’ bungalows and many estate staffs from neighboring estates were partaking . Speculations were rife then that some radical change is in the offing and all were waiting with awe for the outcome.
Hopes and aspirations of group of people are the root cause for birth of voluntary organizations. Such necessity began to enter the minds of the estates staff and came to a head when suppression and unfair labour practices began to invade administrative territory of estates.
D-day was 29th August 1920, dressed in their Sunday best, the Estates Staff began to arrive, led by their Head Clerks and by mid morning, gathering was much more than expected. For the first time in the annals of the history of estates, a meeting of the staff was held to orchestra their cause on this day and formed themselves into an association decreed as ‘ Estates Staffs Association of Ceylon’ This militant move was the first step taken by estates staffs to stand as a united body and began its long journey.
Six fold vision of the CESU
Preserve and strengthen dignity of labour , human and trade union rights and protection of environment
Uphold physical , psychological, moral , cultural and economic well being of the members
Build Alliances, forge partnerships by working concertedly among national and international Trade Unions, Civil and Public Societies and Organizations
Enhance active participation of membership to strengthen the bargaining process for conclusion of Collecting Agreements while preserving the industrial peace for betterment of the Industry.
Reject any form of racial, ethnic , religious conflicts, gender based discrimination and establish a national & international force of the working class.
Stand against waste , corruption and irregularities
Ceylon Estate Staffs' Union (CESU)
To be a Trade Union dedicated for attainment of social justice equality and democracy.