Obstinate refusal of the Army to release lands for resettlement

Since the army had took an obstinate hard line in refusing to release roads and lands, no decision had been reached in a meeting presided by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense,Basanayake,held day before yesterday in Palaly.

The Commanders of three forces, the Secretary to the Ministry of Re-settlement, the District secretary, several Divisional secretaries took part in this meeting.

When the secretary to the ministry of re-settlement proposed the release of 2 km. of road of Vallai – Araly road, the Army commander said that it cannot be released as it is running across the palely Air port. He also did not accept a proposal for alternate road.

When the army was asked to release Thodaimanaru – Palaly – KKS- Keerimalai road, he had counter questioned why that should be released. When time wasted in a round-about  route and the necessity for travelling were pointed out , those were not even considered by the Army.

When released further lands in Vallalai was discussed, the army had asked  why they are asking for more lands to be released, when the lands already released were not re-settled fully.

When the release of Myliddy was proposed, the Navy had replied that the fisheries harbour was badly damaged by Tsunami and a new harbor had to be constructed.The Civilian officers said that the attitude of the armed forces is disappointing and that, no decision regarding release of lands were taken in that meeting.

But the Navy had proposed building a new fisheries harbor at Vallalai and re-settling Myliddy people in Vallalai. It is notable that, the displaced people of Myliddy are languishing welfare Centres for more than 25 years, to go to their own lands.