Dairy farmers in the Mayilathamadu–Mathavanai pasturelands of Batticaloa urged the Government to immediately enforce court orders concerning alleged illegal settlements and protect their lives and livelihoods, following reports that cattle were shot at and farmers were threatened.
The appeal comes as the Court of Appeal (CA) resumed proceedings in a case filed by Batticaloa District Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam over alleged illegal settlements on the traditional grazing lands. During the latest hearing, the State Counsel representing the Attorney General was absent, and additional time was sought.
According to the Eastern Province Civil Society Activists’ Union, tensions have escalated in the area, with dairy farmers reporting threats from individuals allegedly involved in unauthorised settlements and farming activities. The Union said that on Tuesday (20), several individuals allegedly arrived at locations where farmers were staying, armed with knives, and threatened them. It also reported that cattle were shot later that night. One animal belonging to farmer Shanmugam Govindarajan had sustained four serious wounds to its neck, according to the Union. The organisation condemned the reported incidents and called for an immediate, impartial investigation into the alleged threats and shooting. It urged the Government and the Police to ensure the safety of farmers, their property and their livestock. The Union also called for an investigation into allegations that Police officers had assisted individuals involved in unauthorised activities in the area, stressing that the claims should be independently examined and that anyone found to have violated the law should face legal action.
The Union said that orders issued by the Eravur Magistrate’s Court, the Batticaloa District Court and the CA had not resulted in a lasting resolution to the dispute. It called for the full implementation of the court orders, including lawful action against those found to be occupying the land or engaging in unauthorised agricultural activities. The Union said that the reported incidents had raised concerns about land rights, the safety of farming communities and ethnic relations in the area. It also called on the Government to clarify allegations that the unauthorised activities are linked to attempts to expand settlements of Sinhalese communities in the District. The organisation stressed that the allegations require a transparent investigation and that the rights of all communities should be protected without discrimination. It further urged the Police to investigate the reported threats and shooting, identify those responsible and take legal action where appropriate. Explaining the dispute as more than a pastureland issue, the Union said that it involved the rule of law, land rights, public safety and the survival of traditional livelihoods. The Union called on the Government to act without further delay, enforce the court orders and take effective measures to prevent further violence and restore normalcy in the area.
Despite previous court orders and assurances from the Mahaweli Authority, alleged unauthorised settlements and farming activities have reportedly continued. The authorities are expected to take action and report to the Court at the next hearing.
The dairy farmers continue to seek the protection of their cattle grazing rights and the removal, in accordance with the law, of those found to be occupying the land illegally.