Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) lawmaker and Rajapaksa ally Angajan Ramanathan called on the Sri Lankan military to release all lands occupied by the Air Force in the North-East, as the occupation of the Tamil homeland continues.

“The 73rd anniversary commemorating the Air Force is to be held in Jaffna this time,” he said. “It is only apt that lands occupied by the Air Force be released to its rightful owners. It is unacceptable to grab land under the guise of national security and then use it for other purposes such as commemorations.”

Ramanathan has spent several years with the SLFP and is a well-known Rajapaksa ally. Under Rajapaksa’s rule, tens of thousands of Tamils were massacred, the military expanded, and vast swathes of land were seized in the North-East.

Speaking at the Jaffna Press Club, Ramanathan gave examples of Mathagal where the navy has banned fishing along the area and Thaiyitti where Buddhist temples are being built on military-controlled land. He also referred to attempts by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to claim lands along Palaly for the development of the Jaffna International Airport. “People from whom lands were taken before this are yet to even be compensated,” he said.

“Now they are trying to grab hold of more lands.”

He added that he has brought these matters to the attention of Ranil Wickremesinghe who is slated to visit Jaffna soon.