Tamil landowners in Valikamam North staged a protest for the seventh consecutive Friday this week, demanding the release of hundreds of acres of land that remain under Sri Lankan military occupation despite the end of the armed conflict more than seventeen years ago.
The demonstration took place on 5 June near the military Commander's Bungalow along the Kankesanthurai–Thondaimanaru Road in Mayiliddy, where residents once again called for the return of lands currently located within a High Security Zone.
Protesters said they have been campaigning for years to secure the release of approximately 651 acres of privately owned land that remains inaccessible to its rightful owners.
The affected residents come from several Grama Sevaka divisions in Valikamam North, including divisions 249, 256, 248, 251 and 255.
According to landowners, they were forcibly displaced from their homes and lands in June 1990 when the area was brought under military control and subsequently designated as a High Security Zone.
More than three decades later, many families remain unable to return.
Despite repeated promises by successive Sri Lankan governments and numerous calls from local residents, elected representatives and human rights organisations, large areas of civilian-owned land in Valikamam North continue to be occupied by the security forces.
Protesters noted that although seventeen years have passed since the end of the armed conflict in 2009, the military remains stationed on the land and restrictions on access continue.
The continued occupation of civilian land by the Sri Lankan military has long been a source of contention across the North-East. Tamil political parties and rights groups have repeatedly argued that the occupation of private lands reflects the broader militarisation of the Tamil homeland and has prevented thousands of displaced families from rebuilding their lives.
Valikamam North remains one of the most prominent examples of this issue. For decades, residents have organised demonstrations, submitted petitions and engaged with government officials in an effort to secure the return of their properties.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, landowners recently launched a campaign of weekly demonstrations, vowing to continue protesting every Friday until their lands are released.
Friday's gathering marked the seventh consecutive week of protests.
Participants reiterated their demand that the Sri Lankan government return the occupied lands to their owners and end the prolonged displacement of families who continue to live away from their ancestral homes.
The demonstration was conducted peacefully, with residents stressing that their struggle for the return of their lands will continue until meaningful action is taken.
