The Hon. M.S. Abthul Wazeeth

¶ 01 In the 1990s, due to terrorism, cultivation was not carried out in several Divisional Secretariat Divisions in our area—particularly Pottuvil and Lahugala. By Gazette of 20.07.2006, these lands were vested in the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Department of Forest, and the Department of National Zoological Gardens. District‑level committees have been appointed to consider releasing lands suitable for agriculture. At the first meeting of the Ampara District Committee on 22.02.2026, some identified lands were recommended for release.

¶ 02 At the second meeting on 24.04.2026, officials stated that certain lands identified by our Divisional Secretariats could not be released: in Pottuvil 26 Thukollavillai 32 hectares; Pottuvil 10 Kummaweli 23.36 ha; Pottuvil 17 – 3.26 ha; Pottuvil 24 – 0.52 ha; and several village tracts including Grangkovai 600 acres; Udakovai 125 acres; Madeena Nagar 75 acres; Hijrath Nagar 30 acres; Siruvarkavi 77 acres; Puthuveli 52 acres; Pulipudichchenai 50 acres; Sengamam Tsunami site 200 acres; Ullaikuda 40 acres; Thuruthirachenai 25 acres; Paankathamveli 25 acres; Muthirathitheevu 45 acres; and others—totalling significant acreage—were refused by District Forest officials. If so, why were multiple Cabinet Decisions (e.g., 25/1560/826/020) from 2023 and 2024 taken?

¶ 03 For almost 40 years due to war, cultivation ceased and lands were encroached and taken by the State. The Government must act to release our farmers’ lands. About 1,900 acres in the Lahugala DS Division, originally provided in 1956 for 136 middle‑class families by the Kachcheri, remain unresolved. It is distressing that Pottuvil and Lahugala Divisional Secretaries have not reported properly on these lands.

¶ 04 The previous Government recommended releasing about 449.35 acres from the Department of Wildlife Conservation by letter dated 22.10.2015. Subsequently, as per reports of a Committee appointed by the Eastern Province Governor on 12.11.2021 and 18.11.2021, about 350 acres were identified for release for paddy cultivation. I urge the present Government to visit these sites and release the lands so our farmers can cultivate and contribute to national income.

¶ 05 There are 374 vacancies for Management Service Officers under the 2013 scheme in the Eastern Provincial Council. The last limited competitive exam was in 2018 and appointments were made in 2019. These vacancies must be filled urgently by the Central and Provincial Governments to ensure services to the public, including filling Secretary vacancies in Pradeshiya Sabhas.

¶ 06 In Irakkamam DS Division, nine long‑standing river sand permit holders have not had their permits renewed for years; instead, new permits have been issued to outsiders. I request the Minister to act through the Government Agent and Divisional Secretary to reconsider and re‑register the affected local applicants. Thank you.