News and events

Lands to be allotted to 190 families in the Iranaitheevu Island

2018-05-15

Lands will be allotted to 190 families in the Iranaitheevu island and will be resettled soon stated the Navy commander Rear Admiral Srimevan Ranasinghe during a meeting with the people in the Iranaitheevu Island on May 15, 2018. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Northern Development and Hindu Affairs. The Secretary of the Ministry, P. Suresh too was present at the meeting.

However, it is important to note that the Sri Lankan navy still holds a land area of 8 acres which the government states is essential to prevent illegal activities and monitor the shoreline.

The announcement comes after the visit of Justice C.V. Wigneswaran, Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council to the island of Iranaitheevu on May 14, 2018, where he met with the community there and learned of their grievances. Justice C.V. Wigneswaran, stated that no one could deny the people their right to resettle in their native land.

Doubts are being raised by many that the navy may restrict the people to access the residential lands. The coastal stretch which is essential for their livelihood should also be free from naval restrictions stated the delegation led by the Chief Minister.

After yearlong continuous protests the People of Iranaitheevu regained their navy occupied island home on April 23, 2018. Iranaitheevu—a twin island in the Palk Strait was under navy occupation for the past 26 years and reclaimed by the islanders after 359 days of continuous protests. The Iranaitheevu community was living in IranaiMadha Nagar in Mulangavil since they fled the island in 1992