On a work trip in Sri Lanka. The navy and Ministry of Defence at Mulangavil is restricting my movement as a photojournalist to visit the Island Iranaithivu. Obtained documentation to access island and legally work in Sri Lanka. The navy also advised me to not tweet.
— Elke Scholiers (@ElkeScholiers) October 1, 2023
Photo journalist Elke Scholiers has reported being restricted from visiting the Tamil island of Iranithivu by the Sri Lanka navy and military, who continue to occupy vast swathes of land across the North-East.
In April 2018 Iranaitivu residents sailed to the island in around 200 boats to peacefully reclaim the island from the navy, after years of failed campaigns for the island’s release. Despite successfully reclaiming the land, residents lack basic facilities, including clean water and electricity.
This incident comes as Sri Lanka continues to face mounting international scrutiny for its crackdown on journalists.