Tamils block land surveying attempt for Sri Lankan naval base expansion in Mandaithivu

by Ephraim
Jul 17, 2023

Residents of Mandaithivu blocked Sri Lankan officials from carrying our their land survey to expand a Sri Lankan naval base last week. 

On July 12th, local Tamils held  a protest to obstruct the Sri Lankan survey department from surveying 18 acres of land belonging to 29 individuals to expand the Welisumana Naval base.  

The owners of the land, along with the local community, expressed their discontent with the ongoing survey and the plans to take over their lands for the naval base. They firmly opposed the encroachment on their property rights and the potential displacement it could cause.

The protest lasted for several hours, during which the community members rallied together to make their voices heard. Their unified stance and peaceful demonstration resulted in a successful outcome, as the Survey Department ultimately decided to abandon their survey and leave the area without further intervention.

 

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