Muthunagar Land Dispute Protest to Continue Without Resolution

16-Aug-2025

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Vasantha Mudalige, executive committee member of the People’s Protest Organization, said the government must resolve the land dispute of the people of Muthunagar, Trincomalee, just as it suspended the Mannar wind power project.

On August 14, residents of Muthunagar protested in front of the Presidential Secretariat, holding placards reading “Stop the seizure of 800 acres of farmland in Muthunagar” and “Begin the struggle against Indian companies’ land and resource theft.”

He said:
“We came here to highlight the serious issue faced by 351 families whose lands are being forcibly acquired and sold to companies. We informed the Presidential Secretariat two weeks ago but received no solution. These are hereditary farmlands being taken by force. Politicians promised to resolve the issue during elections, but now no one talks about it.
The President said development projects would be carried out with the consent of all parties — that is why the Mannar wind power project was suspended. Why was the same approach not taken for Muthunagar? The people here are also Sri Lankans. We strongly oppose forced land acquisition. Until a fair solution is given, we are ready to continue our protest. Don’t try to hide the problem with false promises. The seized lands must be returned, and we will keep raising our voices until then.”