.png)
A major road connecting Buthanwayal to Madavalasingan Kulam in the Karaithuraipattu division of Mullaitivu district has been abruptly severed due to ongoing bridge construction, leaving Tamil farmers in distress and accusing government officials of negligence.
The bridge, under the administration of the Karaithuraipattu Pradeshiya Sabha, has long been in disrepair. Following repeated appeals by local residents, construction finally commenced. However, the road was completely cut off to facilitate the bridge work without prior consultation with local bodies or affected communities.
Currently, only a narrow path suitable for motorcycles has been laid, with no proper alternative route provided for regular vehicular traffic. This decision has severely disrupted access for farmers in the region, particularly those working in raw and cultivated lands who now struggle to transport agricultural materials or harvested produce.
With the small harvest season underway, farmers have been especially impacted since they are unable to carry their freshly harvested paddy back to their homes. The absence of a viable alternative route has rendered many unable to continue essential agricultural activities.
Local residents have expressed frustration after being told by authorities that no alternate route could be arranged. They are now urgently calling for a temporary road that would allow at least reconnaissance vehicles to access farmlands and facilitate transportation of produce.
While there is broad support among residents for the long-overdue construction of the bridge, they insist that it must not come at the cost of their livelihoods.
The lack of planning and coordination in infrastructure development has raised serious concerns among the affected population, many of whom argue that it is standard practice to provide alternate access routes during such works. Community members are demanding immediate action from officials to mitigate the impact on local agriculture and livelihoods.
.png)