Tensions have escalated in Trincomalee as approximately three acres of land near the historic Kanniya Hot Springs, which were originally donated to the sacred Thirukoneswarar Temple, are reportedly being encroached upon by Sinhala settlers constructing buildings illegally.
The disputed land, situated close to the ancient Kanniya hot water wells, had been lawfully donated to the Thirukoneswarar Temple by its rightful Tamil owners. However, in recent weeks, non-local Sinhala settlers have begun building unauthorised structures on the property, sparking fears of a coordinated land grab.
Local residents say the settlers have ignored a prohibition order issued by the Trincomalee Town and Gravets Pradeshiya Sabha, which explicitly bans any unauthorised construction on the site. The ongoing defiance of this legal directive has provoked outrage among Tamils, who see the move as part of a broader pattern of land appropriation in the North-East.
Despite complaints being lodged with relevant local authorities, residents report that no meaningful steps have been taken to halt the construction or enforce the court order. The lack of state response has deepened local frustrations and heightened concerns over the continued erosion of Tamil cultural and religious sites in the region.
The Thirukoneswarar Temple, an important Saivite religious site in Trincomalee, holds historic and spiritual significance for Tamil Hindus. Its proximity to the Kanniya hot springs, which themselves are steeped in religious legend and have been referenced in ancient Tamil literature, further elevates the cultural importance of the area.
Local community members are now calling for urgent intervention to prevent the illegal occupation and protect the sanctity and legal ownership of temple property. They have urged elected representatives and state officials to take immediate action to stop the encroachment and ensure that court orders are upheld.
The incident adds to growing concerns over state-backed Sinhalisation efforts in the Eastern Province, where Tamils have repeatedly raised alarm over the targeting of religious sites and demographic manipulation through land appropriation. The lack of accountability and enforcement, residents warn, only emboldens further violations.
