Lands in Mannar Must Be Returned to the People: Selvam Adaikalanathan

17-Jun-2025

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Raising concern over the continued occupation of civilian land by the Navy in the Pallimunai area of Mannar, Selvam Adaikalanathan, the leader of the Tamil political party R. E. L. O. and Member of Parliament for Vanni, declared that such land-grabbing will never be tolerated.

Speaking at a press conference held at his office in Mannar, the MP emphasized that lands currently under naval control in Pallimunai must be returned to their rightful civilian owners. He pointed out that despite President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's commitment to release lands occupied by the military, no meaningful progress has been seen in many areas.

He also mentioned that parliamentary discussions have already taken place regarding the private lands occupied by the Navy along the Pallimunai coastal road. Letters have been sent to the President about this issue, yet now a public notice has been posted indicating that these lands will be surveyed on the 20th of this month.

“We will never allow this,” said the MP firmly. “The people will certainly rise in protest. We plan to inform the President about the urgency of reversing this situation.”

He also stated that a formal complaint will be lodged with the Chairman of the Development Committee regarding this matter. “The ongoing activities must be halted immediately, and the lands in Pallimunai must be handed back to their original owners,” he urged.

Strongly condemning the Navy’s actions as unjust and provocative, he warned that such moves could incite public agitation. “We will speak in Parliament, demanding that the President intervene to stop this operation,” he concluded.