Justice to Evicted St. Leonard's Estate Residents Through Land Reform Commission: Sundaralingam Pradeep

15-Jul-2026

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Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Sundaralingam Pradeep has assured that justice will be secured for residents evicted from their homes at St. Leonard's Estate in Ragala through the Land Reform Commission. 

He said discussions had been held with Ministers Samantha Vidyarathna and Lal Kantha on the issue. Although the residents were evicted in compliance with a court order issued in a case filed in 2018 and concluded this January, the Government has a moral responsibility to ensure their welfare and safety.

The Deputy Minister further alleged that the dispute has a political background, claiming that an individual attempted to acquire the land during the previous administration. He said investigations are underway and the facts will be disclosed once they are completed. The Ministry will work with the Land Reform Commission to provide an appropriate solution for the affected residents.