The Myliddy harbour, which at one time accommodated almost a third of Sri Lanka’s fishing trade, and 54 acres of surrounding land on Jaffna peninsula were released today after 27 years of military occupation.
Around 50 families have registered with the Tellipalai Divisional Secretariat to resettle in the lands released today.
While residents were eager to step into and see their lands after having no access for 27 years, they noted that none of their properties were in immediately habitable conditions.
Houses and buildings in the lands were mostly demolished, and none of the valuable furniture and construction materials left behind by civilians were to be found.
Community spaces such as the local Kovil and its chariot were also discovered in a state of ruin and disrepair.