Villagers from the Ponnaveli Grama Sevakar division in the Kilinochchi District entered the 41st day of their protest, firmly opposing land grabbing for the construction of a cement factory.
The protestors have been resolute in their stance against private companies that operate in the area, which have constructed approximately 40 tube wells. This excessive groundwater extraction has led to the near depletion of the water table, leaving the villagers grappling with acute water shortages.
With the concurrent extraction of limestone from the area by the cement factory that is expected to be built, concerns have mounted that the little remaining water accessible to the villagers may become increasingly saline, potentially rendering it brackish and undrinkable.
Despite repeatedly notifying their grievances to officials, including Douglas Devananda, who holds the Kilinochchi development portfolio, and other government representatives, the villagers have received no response or action to address their demands.
In their determination to protect their basic needs, the villagers are determined to continue their protest indefinitely until their demands are heard and met by the authorities.
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