In a move that is seen to further inflame tensions in the Mayilathamadu Madhavanai area of Batticaloa, a new Buddha statue was installed on Sunday under the leadership of controversial monk Ambitiya Sumanaratna. The installation ceremony also saw the participation of former Governor of the Eastern Province, Anuradha Yahampa.
The decision to place the Buddha statue comes at a time when Tamil farmers have been engaged in a continuous protest for the past 32 days, expressing their grievances over the encroachment of Mayilathamadu grazing land. The protesters allege that Sinhalese settlers have been steadily encroaching on their lands, leading to the displacement of Tamil farmers.
Ambitiya Sumanaratna has been accused of supporting violence against Tamils and Muslims in the Batticaloa district. The collaboration with former Governor Anuradha Yahampa has further intensified the criticism, as both figures are seen as aligning with the interests of Sinhalese settlers in the disputed areas.
The Tamil farmers state that the installation of the Buddha statue is a symbolic gesture in support of the Sinhalese settlers who have been continuously settling in the region, causing tensions and conflicts with the local Tamil community.
Footage with subtitles
“Look here, it's still smoking. The three of us ran into this forest to survive with hunger. A large number of people had gone to the town to collect supplies.
They didn't come. We are here with fear.” Mylathamadu livestock farmers pic.twitter.com/JiHVrcAh5X— Jera Thampi (@JeraThampi) October 15, 2023
The backdrop to this controversial event is the ongoing protest by livestock farmers in Batticaloa against the encroachment of their lands and the reported killing of their cattle by Sinhala settlers dating back to at least 2021. In August 2023, concerns were raised when a new Buddhist temple was under construction on land traditionally used by Tamil farmers in the border villages of Madhavanai and Mayilathamadu.
The Tamil farmers continue to face intimidation and threats from both illegal settlers and government officials as they strive to protect their lands and livelihoods. The situation remains highly charged, with the installation of the Buddha statue serving as a hostile symbol in the ongoing struggle for land rights in the region.
