Hundreds of landless Tamil farmers who have been engaged in paddy cultivation in the Illupaikadavai area in Manthai West in Mannar have written to Sri Lanka’s president demanding he issue them land deeds, so that their rightful ownership of the land can be recognised.
The Federation of Community-Based Organizations of the Mannar District sent a letter to Ranil Wickremesinghe stating that these farmers have made similar appeals to presidents before him, however, they are yet to be provided the title deeds for their farming lands.
Union President V S Sivakaran told reporters in Mannar that these farmers have been engaged in cultivation for the last 30 years however they do not possess any documents for these lands.
“Despite writing to four presidents no one has taken any action,” he said.
He went on to say that the District Secretariat has been awarding title deeds to those who have paid bribes to government officials. He added that the farmers have submitted all necessary documentation to prove their ownership, however, no reprieve has been offered.
Despite it being 15 years since the end of the armed conflict, the Sri Lankan government and armed forces continue to occupy swathes of land belonging to the Tamil people.
