Mass protest in Vavuniya over uneven welfare distribution

A mass protest was held in front of the Vavuniya District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat on Monday following the release of a beneficiaries list for the government's Aswesuma welfare program that left many vulnerable communities out whilst privileging those abroad, government employees and the wealthy.

Villagers from Kallikkulam, Thekkavathai, Nelukulam and Thonikkal protested inside the Vavunia Divisional Secretariat's office. The demonstrators included those with disabilities, the elderly, households led by single women, people living with serious medical conditions, and others that have been living below the poverty line. They maintain that they have been systematically left out of the list.

After the protesters had marched to the District Secretariat's office, Vavuniya District Government President BA Saratchandra responded by claiming that the list released was only an initial list and that the final list has not yet been published. 

He further insisted that protesters must file complaints in writing either through the internet, by post, or to the Grama Sevakars that will be tasked with compiling the final list. The dates that the Grama Sevakars will be visiting each village will be announced well in advance.

Protesters are demanding that the government review the list of beneficiaries and ensure that all people in need are included.

The demonstrators peacefully obstructed traffic to raise awareness to their plight.

Divisional Secretary for the area Mr. N. Kamaladhasan went to the protest site and listened to the demands of the protestors. He also said that the protestors should write letters of complaint to him regarding the discrepancies and assured the protestors that he will take necessary action.

Additionally, Sinhala families from villages in Vavuniya South and villagers from Koomankulam protested in front of the District Secretariat's office from about 10am. All three groups of protestors converged on the A9 road and the Mannar-Vavuniya Highwar, disrupting the movement of traffic and causing blocks that lasted over an hour.

The police and military tried to intimidate the protestors in order to stop their protest, but the protestors refused to disperse. They continued to occupy the main roads, claiming that the respective authorities' responses to their demands were inadequate.

MP K Dileeban representing Vavuniya from EPDP intervened in the protest and attempted to negotiate between the protestors and the Rural Development Authority officials. He said that he would raise the issue with the relevant authorities and ensure that the grievances of the protestors are addressed.