A ceremony to inaugurate the reconstruction of the Myliddy harbour was held on Wednesday with the Sri Lankan president attending as chief guest. Tamil politicians pointed out that the Tamil fishing communities and other residents of Myliddy remain displaced after 30 years.

According to the President’s Media Division work is being carried out to relaunch operations at the Myliddy harbour after 30 years, at a cost of Rs. 400 million. A fraction of the cost is also being supported by UNDP.

ITAK leader and parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah criticised the event on stage for the fact that while extravagant celebrations were taking place for the foundation-stone laying, the people of the area continued to suffer in displacement.

The release and reconstruction of the Myliddy harbour is the fruition of the struggles and campaigns of the people of Myliddy, the parliamentarian said. However these people still can't return to their homes. They have been living in displacement for 30 years.

Mr Senathirajah pointed out that while protesting and campaigning for their lands to be released, Myliddy residents were attacked and harassed by intelligence personnel. They also had their water contaminated.

Mr Senathirajah urged the Sri Lankan president not to forget the debt he owed to Tamils for their votes, and said the president should push for a political solution and comprehensive land release by the end of the year.

Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena, said the Myliddy Mahavidyalayam and the surrounding lands, all which fall under the Valikamam North High Security Zone would be released within two weeks.