Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya faced frustration and anger from Tamils in Keppapulavu after she failed to honour her promise to meet with them regarding the release of their lands, which remain occupied by the Sri Lankan military.
Amarasuriya was in Mullaitivu on 16 February, where she delivered a speech at the Mullaitivu Coastal Zone Pradeshiya Sabha Hall. The event, attended by several National People’s Power (NPP) officials, saw the Sri Lankan Prime Minister highlighting female representation in parliament, the 2025 budget, and the government's commitment to addressing rural poverty. However, she failed to address pressing Tamil concerns, including land grabs and the release of political prisoners.
Prior to the event, the people of Keppapulavu—who have long fought for the return of their lands from Sri Lankan military occupation—had been assured that the prime minister would meet with them to discuss their grievances. This commitment was made by Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, who stated that a specific time would be allocated for their concerns to be heard.
However, despite this assurance, Amarasuriya left without engaging with them, prompting outrage. Residents reported that they had already submitted petitions regarding their lands during Amarasuriya’s previous visit but were once again denied a direct discussion.
During the event, when Keppapulavu residents attempted to raise their concerns, they were blocked by the Prime Minister’s security personnel. One of the landowners, Vivekanandan Indradevi, accused security officers of preventing them from speaking.
"This is not the first time we have been ignored," Indradevi said at the Mullaitivu Press CLub, criticising the NPP district organisers and MPs who had urged the community to vote for them in the last election. Now in power, the NPP has failed to deliver on their promises, she added.
The people of Keppapulavu have been fighting for the return of their lands for years, as large areas remain under military occupation. Despite assurances from various Sri Lankan governments, meaningful action has yet to be taken.
