Eastern landowners submit joint letter to President over land acquisitions

28-Apr-2026

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Landowners from the Eastern Province have jointly urged the President to conduct independent investigations into land acquisitions and to take steps to identify and return lands belonging to war-displaced persons.

Representatives from Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts stated that they launched a public awareness campaign titled “Land Week” on March 23, followed by province-wide programmes highlighting land rights issues.

They stated that despite the end of the armed conflict, many people continue to face difficulties in obtaining legal ownership of their lands, while large-scale acquisitions have taken place under various administrative and institutional mechanisms, including for archaeological, security, forest reserve, wildlife, religious, and development purposes.

They also highlighted that such actions have resulted in displacement, poverty, loss of livelihoods, and erosion of cultural identity.

The group requested immediate identification and return of displaced lands, legal documentation for long-term occupants, independent investigations into land acquisitions, livelihood restoration programmes, and protection of religious and cultural rights.

They urged the President to ensure justice, equality, and restoration of dignity for affected communities.