The Sri Lankan navy is attempting to appropriate a further 3 acres of land in Mannar, said the local church's charity group.
The land, which is situated in the Vettimaankudiyiruppu village of Mannar Pesalai, is within a 210 acre area of land which belongs to St Victor's Church. The land deeds are issued to the Bishop of Mannar.
Over ten years ago navy officers confiscated a portion of land in the village, which they continue to occupy. In 2013, officers attempted to confiscate more land, however this was met with fierce opposition from locals who petitioned against it.
Recently locals reported seeing navy officers measuring a further 3 acres of land. A gazette notification has already been issued.
The church group has filed a complaint with the Mannar citizen's committee regarding this.
Locals have demanded that the land grab ceases at once, stating that they do not want navy officers amongst them and that the land currently occupied by the navy is returned to them.
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