Over 6,000 Families in Valikamam North Still Not Resettled

18-Jun-2025

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Displaced residents from Valikamam North have expressed concern that, even after 35 years since their displacement, they have not yet been resettled in their original lands.

They stated that “Although it has been 16 years since the end of the war, our lands are still under military control, designated as a High-Security Zone. We were displaced from our homes on June 15, 1990, due to the war. Immediately after we were forced to leave, the Sri Lankan Army declared our area a High-Security Zone and took control of it. Since then, we have been living in various parts of the country as internally displaced persons (IDPs).”

Despite the end of the war, these lands continue to be occupied by the military under the pretext of security. Displaced residents have been appealing for years to regain access to their lands and be allowed to resettle, but no significant progress has been made.

Although limited resettlement has been allowed in some areas, large portions of land remain under military occupation. The military continues to exploit the fertile lands for their own benefit.

More than 2,700 acres of land in Valikamam North are still under military control. While these lands are claimed for "security purposes," the military actively generates income by cultivating crops and operating farms on approximately 50% of the seized Tamil-owned lands.

On about 10% of the lands, the military has established playgrounds, commercial establishments, and recreational facilities. All agricultural harvests and income from these lands are appropriated by the military.

Meanwhile, in the Thayiddi area—where a women’s shelter was once intended to be released during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure—military-run commercial establishments have now been set up.

In areas that have been released from military control, new constructions and commercial activities have been initiated by the military without obtaining any approval from local divisional secretariats or relevant government authorities.

Similarly, in Kankesanthurai, the coastal area surrounding the Thalsevan Rest House and certain roads remain under military control.

Even in areas declared as released, indirect military influence continues. More than 6,000 families originally from Valikamam North are still living in various places after being displaced. With their agricultural lands still under military occupation, they struggle with economic hardship and disrupted livelihoods.

Schools, playgrounds, temples, and cemeteries also remain under military control.

The displaced residents emphasized, “It has been 16 years since the war ended. Yet, the military continues to occupy our lands under the guise of a High-Security Zone. We continue to demand that these areas be released and that we be allowed to return to our rightful homes.”