Sri Lankan Navy promises land release in Jaffna as occupation drags on

Sri Lanka’s Northern Naval Area Commander, Rear Admiral B. Liyanagamage, has informed the Jaffna District Secretary that lands currently occupied by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Jaffna District will be released through what he described as “proper and orderly procedures”, but gave no timeline as the occupation of Tamil Eelam continues.

The assurance was given during a special discussion held last week at the occupying Kankesanthurai Naval Office, chaired by Rear Admiral Liyanagamage. The meeting examined a range of issues relating to the coast and maritime activity in the Jaffna District, including the continued occupation of civilian land by the Sri Lankan Navy.

According to officials, the discussion covered illegal fishing by Indian fishermen, maritime smuggling, the release of occupied land, repairs to the North Tharakai vessel, restoring the Ezhutharakai ship to service, coastal clean-up initiatives, solid waste management, and the restoration of coastal roads.

On the question of land occupation, Liyanagamage claimed that land currently held by the Navy would be released in accordance with “established procedures”. Similar assurances have been repeatedly made by state authorities over the years, even as large swathes of land across the Tamil homeland remain under military control more than 16 years after the end of the armed conflict.

The meeting also highlighted coordination between the District Secretariat, the Navy, Divisional Secretariats, Pradeshiya Sabhas, and the Road Development Authority as a means of ensuring smoother transport through the Kurikattuwan jetty, a key link for island communities.

Jaffna District Secretary Maruthalingam Pratheepan raised concerns over passenger boats operating to island areas such as Nainativu, noting that many lack valid quality certification. Officials said obtaining such certification requires significant financial outlay, which boat owners are unable to meet. It was therefore decided to write to the Ministry of Defence seeking guidance to regularise the process.
Concerns over passenger safety were heightened following a recent death in Neduntheevu, which was raised during the meeting. Participants also discussed the removal of unauthorised Indian fishing vessels currently docked at the Myliddy harbour.

The discussion was attended by senior civil and military officials, including Additional District Secretaries K. Sivakaran and P. Jayakaran, Assistant District Secretary U. Tharsini, Director of Regional Health Services Dr A. Keetheswaran, Chief Engineer of the Northern Provincial Road Development Authority Mr Cruz, Divisional Secretaries, and officers of the Sri Lankan Navy.

For Tamils, the latest assurances on land release echo a familiar pattern. Repeated pledges by military and government officials have rarely translated into the meaningful return of occupied land, reinforcing long-standing concerns that militarisation of the Tamil homeland remains entrenched.