Locals in Batticaloa have demanded that the government officials stops giving land to private companies, instead of rebuilding and improving the livelihoods of the residents affected by the conflict, Uthayan reports.
Complaining to their local MP, the residents said government officials were transferring the land without authorisation of the regional or district land application organisation.
Over 400 acres in Thambiraanveli, 350 acres in Kaayaankeni, 780 acres in Kurivikkalmalai I, as well as 670 acres in Kurivikkalmalai II, and 50 acres in Vavunatheevu, Oorani and Thiraaimadu have been given private companies, said TNA MP S. Yogeswaran in a letter of complaint to Batticaloa officials.
"Giving our district lands to private companies when you should be providing space for rebuilding and improving the livelihoods of our people after the war, is endangering our people's future," he wrote.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Office, Secretary of the Ministry of Land Development, Batticaloa District Development Chairman, Vakarai District Development Chairman, Batticaloa District Development Chairman, Vavunativu Regional Development Chairman, Vakarai District Secretary, Batticaloa District Secretary, Vavunativu District Secretary.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
