Investigation Launched into Alleged LTTE Training Camp in Palaai

19-Aug-2026

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Deputy Minister of Public Security Anura Jayasekara said investigations have been launched in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security into reports of illegal construction work being carried out in the Palaai area within the Pachchilaipalli Pradeshiya Sabha with the alleged intention of establishing a training camp of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or a facility for manufacturing explosives.

International Human Rights Commission (a non-governmental organisation) Executive Director Sangeeth Dias Sekera had told a media briefing that illegal construction was being carried out without permission on State reserve land in the Palaai area and that strong suspicions had arisen as to whether the project was intended to establish an LTTE training camp or an explosives manufacturing facility.

He said written documents had also been submitted to the country’s top authorities requesting immediate action in this regard.

He further claimed that approximately 49 acres of State reserve land in the Palaai area had been cleared illegally and that a three-storey concrete building was being constructed without approval from the Central Government or local authorities. According to him, between 100 and 150 people arrive at the site each day for work.

He also said information had been received that certain individuals at senior levels of the Government were behind the project and that it was being coordinated as a foreign-funded assistance project.

Commenting on the matter, Deputy Minister Anura Jayasekara said information had been received regarding the construction being carried out in the Palaai area.

“Following this, steps have been taken to pay special attention to the matter in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security,” he said.

He added that investigations had now commenced and that officials would visit the site directly to obtain further information regarding the construction.