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Vali North IDPs angered as Sri Lankan army plays cricket on occupied land

Residents of Valikaamam North, many of whom have been displaced for over two decades, complained this week that the Sri Lankan army not only continues to occupy their land, but is using it to play cricket.

The 1 acre of land has been converted into a sports ground and is situated adjacent to Kankesanthurai Nateswara College which was recently released by the president, Maithripala Sirisena.

"Do they require our own lands to play cricket?" one displaced Tamil, who wished to remain anonymous said. 

"Despite having land of our own, we are leading a life in huts in the refugee camps, and the army is playing cricket in our lands. Is this what they call good governance?"

Despite several calls on the military to release land, the army continues to run a military canteen and checkpoints by the college.

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