Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R Sampanthan has written to President Maithripala Sirisena on the land issue in the North.
In his letter, Sampanthan thanked the President for meeting him recently to discuss the issue.
He says in Kepapulavu 54 lands have been handed over to the persons entitled to same on documents.
However he says there are 30 other persons who were in possession of their lands earlier, but who still do not have permits.
“They are entitled to be given the lands as they were in possession earlier, before displacement. They had not obtained permits in view of the prevalent situation. The Government/Agent /Mullaithivu District Secretary/Maritimepattu should be able to obtain the necessary information. These 30 persons too, if they are landless people and were in possession earlier should be issued permits and restored to possession. The houses on these lands have been destroyed. The people should be provided with housing and other facilities,” he said.
Sampanthan also noted that in Puthukkudiyiruppu the matter has been resolved and the land is to be returned in three stages. Sampanthan says the commitments made should be honoured.
He also said that the persons who were demonstrating against being kept out of their lands in Kepepulavu, have called off their demonstration.
“I am particularly thankful to you and other authorities for the expeditious action taken to hand back this land. In respect of the land of the Killinochchi Maha Vidyalayam – which too, I discussed with you, I am informed that action is being taken to return to the school authorities 142 perches of land. More land would yet be retained by the Armed forces,” he said.
Sampanthan further notes that the Killinochchi Maha Vidyalayam has around 2500 students and the school is short of accommodation, particularly for the primary section.
“The school urgently needs more accommodation. The school also urgently needs a playground. I have visited the school and seen the difficult position. The balance land too should be released early. I shall be grateful if action is taken to release the balance land also, to the KIlinochchi Maha Vidyalayam authorities at the earliest ,” Sampanthan said.
Courtesy: Colombo Gazette
