The Hon. Gnanamuththu Srineshan

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I move the following Adjournment Motion:

¶ 02 “During the war, in 1985, the Batticaloa Airport was suddenly expanded on the pretext of security. As a result, substantial portions of lands belonging to residents of the villages of Valaiyiravu, Pudur, Sethukuda, Thimilativu and Thirupperunthurai — including houses, residential plots, paddy fields, cemeteries, business premises, roads, and schools — were acquired and appropriated by the Government. Over 300 families were displaced.

¶ 03 Subsequently, about 250 families were provided alternative lands. Nearly 30 years have passed since those lands were given, yet no formal deeds have been issued. Having taken over people’s original lands, the authorities are now insisting that large sums of money be paid as lease charges for the alternative lands before issuing deeds. This is being demanded from people who already lost their properties.

¶ 04 It is unjust to have acquired their lands and then to demand lease payments from people trapped in poverty. I therefore request that unconditional deeds be issued for the alternative lands that were temporarily given and later promised as replacement lands.

¶ 05 On behalf of the people, I also request the opening of the former public road that was closed for the expansion of the airport. If that cannot be opened, at least open the path running along the airport fence to ease the people’s difficulties.”

¶ 06 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, in 1985 there was war in the North and East. Owing to the situation then, the small airport there was expanded considerably. People from five villages were affected and were abruptly evicted from their places. They were given temporary lands to stay, with an assurance that these would later be granted as replacement lands. People have since lived there. Now they are being asked to pay lease charges.

¶ 07 In 1985 the value of those lands was low; today the value is much higher, and so the lease being demanded is large. Telling people who already lost their properties that only upon paying lease can they get deeds has caused hardship to more than 250 families. They have lands but no deeds; they cannot obtain loans to build houses, transfer to their children, or obtain required points and permissions for schooling. Many original recipients have now passed away.

¶ 08 This matter concerns the Airport authorities and the relevant Ministers overseeing the airport, lands, and public administration. We respectfully request that steps be taken to issue deeds to these people without delay.