Photograph: TamilWin
The case relating to the removal of a signboard installed by Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology in Valaichenai, Batticaloa, has been postponed until 9 February 2026.
Last month, a signboard was erected by the archaeology department and was later removed by a Tamil man with the permission of Valaichenai District Council. Despite the council's approval for the removal, the man was arrested and an intense police hunt began for the Valachenai District Council Chairman.
Following a complaint lodged by the Department of Archaeology, the Sri Lankan police filed a case on 25 November at the Valaichchenai Magistrate’s Court against the Chairman and four others. The accused were granted bail, and the case was taken up for further hearing on 15 December.
Tamil Win reported that attorneys-at-law Vijayakumar and Habeeb Rifaan appeared on behalf of the defendants at Monday's hearing. Rifaan stated that the police had presented an additional report to court during the proceedings and it was decided that the case would be adjourned to February 2026.
According to the Archaeology Department, installation of directional and informational signage at so-called archaeological sites in Batticaloa began on 3 November. The boards were removed on 22 November by individuals linked to the council after repeated complaints from local residents who viewed the sudden installations as yet another attempt to establish state-backed control over Tamil land.
