Families from Mullikulam village returned to their lands last week following days of protests over the Sri Lankan navy's occupation of their land.
Over 100 residents who had been displaced returned to their original lands and began the arduous task of clearing them.
The lands, which lack even basic facilities were only released after days of protests by residents starting March last year.
Despite the navy eventually announcing the release 100 acres of land in May 2017, residents were still prohibited from accessing them. Navy officers claimed that a survey was needed before they could return.
