A field visit organized by the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, was conducted on Friday, 1st of August 2025, to assess the feasibility of establishing permanent settlements for resettled individuals in the border villages under the Vavuniya North Divisional Secretariat Division, who are currently facing displacement.
The Governor-led delegation first visited Kanchiramottai, where they met with the 23 families currently residing in the area. During the visit, residents raised several concerns, including the urgent need for the construction of an elephant fence and the repair of existing wells. They also requested the completion of partially built houses provided under previous housing schemes. Additionally, the residents highlighted the lack of legal ownership documents for their land and the absence of adequate transport facilities for students. They further alleged that, following their resettlement, the Forest Department had erected boundary stones near their settlement, leading to additional uncertainty and concern.
The Honorable Governor instructed the immediate reconstruction of the 5.5 km stretch of road from Maruthodai–Kattupoovarasankulam to Navalarpannai, with the aim of enhancing transport connectivity in the region. He further directed that a suitable teacher be identified and appointed to the local pre-school without delay. Additionally, the Governor emphasized the urgent need to provide a transportation facility to support the mobility needs of the area’s residents
Subsequently, the Governor met with residents of Vedivaithakallu village. During the discussion, the villagers expressed that resettlement would not be feasible without the construction of an elephant fence, citing incidents of human casualties and extensive crop damage caused by wild elephants. They also raised concerns about the theft of their belongings, including livestock such as cows, which has further exacerbated their insecurity and hardship.
The residents further alleged that the Forest Department was acting in a discriminatory manner and encroaching upon their lands. They expressed frustration that, despite large areas of dense forest being reportedly cleared by members of the majority population in nearby areas, no action had been taken by the authorities. In contrast, they claimed that severe penalties were imposed on them even for collecting small quantities of firewood. The villagers also voiced concerns about what they perceived as ongoing racial discrimination by the Forest Department.
Furthermore, in the Thirivaithakulam area, displaced residents who had been engaged in agricultural activities on lands allocated to them in 1983 reported that, upon attempting to clear these lands in 2019 following their resettlement, they were prevented from doing so by the Forest Department. They further stated that the said lands have since been transferred from the Forest Department to the Mahaweli Development Authority. In light of this, the residents urged that the lands in question be rightfully returned to them, citing their original entitlement.
The Governor assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address the demands raised by the people. He further emphasized the importance of the community’s active participation in the resettlement process. “Only when you are actively engaged in resettlement efforts can we extend our support to you with full commitment and enthusiasm,” he stated.
Afterwards, the Governor visited the Maruthodai area and inspected the Unjalkatti Government Tamil Kalavan School, which had been closed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He then conducted a personal inspection of the large Koramottai pond. Observing that cultivation beneath the pond had been abandoned, the Governor issued necessary instructions to the Department of Agricultural Services to undertake its rehabilitation.
The Governor personally inspected the premises of Nedunkereni Maruthodai A.D.K. School, where a new building is planned to be constructed using development funds allocated through the provincial government.
Subsequently, the Governor met with residents at the Vavuniya North Divisional Secretariat Conference Hall to hear their concerns and demands. The people of Kovilpuliyankulam submitted requests including the construction of an elephant fence, reconstruction of the road between Vedivaithakallu, installation of street lights, and the rehabilitation of Maruthangulam and Mamadukkulam. Additionally, they emphasized the urgent need to reconstruct the road connecting Sambalamkulam to Panainindran.
The Governor conveyed the people’s complaints regarding the discriminatory practices of the Forest Department to its representatives, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable. Furthermore, with measures currently underway to release the lands demarcated by the Forest Department, the Governor advised forming a committee, including the Divisional Secretary, to accurately identify the lands in question.
The Governor responded that, in accordance with public demand concerning veterinary doctors, measures will be taken to provide the necessary vehicle facilities for them. He also stated that land concerts will be organized soon, and steps will be undertaken to ensure the issuance of land documents.
During the Governor’s field visit, Honorable Members of Parliament M. Jagatheeswaran and S. Thilaganathan, the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Secretaries to the Ministries of Local Government, Education, and Agriculture of the Northern Province, the Commissioner of Local Government of the Northern Province, and the Assistant Commissioner of Local Government of Vavuniya District were also present.
