A scheduled survey of private lands in Senthankulam, Matakal, by government officials on Friday was cancelled after residents and local politicians raised fierce opposition to it.
Several acres of private land in Senthankulam were due to be surveyed for possible appropriation by the Sri Lankan navy, although residents claimed that they were neither informed, nor asked for permission.
Surveyors arrived at the area escorted by dozens of police officers, but were confronted by residents who were joined by TNA MP Suresh Premachandran and several other MPs and Northern Provincial Council members.
After extensive arguments, the surveyors left without carrying out the planned land survey.