A court order to release the Thuvarankulam canal and surrounding paddy fields, located in the Manthai East Division of Mullaitivu District, has not been implemented, more than a year after it was issued, according to Vanni District MP Thurairasa Ravikaran.
The ruling, which directed local authorities to resolve disputes and return the lands to farmers, remains unenforced, raising concerns over administrative delays. Speaking at the Manthai East Regional Development Coordination Committee meeting on Monday 3rd February, MP Ravikaran criticised the inaction of the Divisional Secretariat and the Forest Department, which were ordered by the court to settle their disagreements and facilitate the transfer of land back to local Tamil farmers.
The dispute began when Sri Lanka's Forest Department filed a case against 63 farmers who had been cultivating paddy fields beneath Thuvarankulam. The case, heard at the Mankulam Court, concluded that the lands rightfully belonged to local Tamils, leading to the farmers’ acquittal. The court subsequently instructed the relevant authorities to resolve their conflicts and proceed with the land transfer.
However, despite more than a year having passed since the ruling, no steps have been taken to implement the court’s decision. Ravikaran expressed frustration over the continued delay, stating that the government must take responsibility for ensuring that the people regain access to their lands. He stated:
"The lands and the canal that belong to the people must be returned to them. The newly formed government must pay greater attention to this issue."
During the meeting, officials decided to escalate the matter to the District Development Committee for further action. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to a long-awaited solution.
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