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Photographs: Tamil Guardian |
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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. |
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Land release event with Jaffna commander Major Gen. Hettiarachchi and TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran |
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Around 50 families have registered with the Tellipalai Divisional Secretariat to resettle in the lands released today. |
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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. |
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Houses, buildings and infrastructure in the lands were mostly demolished, with valuable furniture, tiles and construction materials missing from most properties. |
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Community spaces such as the local Kovil and its chariot were also discovered in a state of ruin and disrepair. |
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Many found camps and permanent Buddhist viharas had been constructed in their lands. |
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Facilities such as football pitches and basketball courts could be seen in the yet unreleased sections. |
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Fishermen also complained that since the Myliddy main road had not been opened to the public, they would have to take a much longer route - up to 40km longer - to reach the harbour |
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A release function, accompanied by a high military and security presence, was attended by Jaffna commander Major Gen. Darshana Hettiarachchi, TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran and other NPC and local administrative members. |
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