Plight of people in Kokilai Kokilai 14 years after the war, land still unreclaimed

By Ashanthi Warunasuriya   

The Chief Incumbent of Sambodi Vihara Kokilai, Venerable Sri Tissapura Gunaratana Thera, has his voiced concern over the plight of the Sinhalese community in Kokilai, Mullaitivu District. He pointed out that even 14 years after the end of the war, these people have not been able to reclaim the land they occupied.   

The Thera highlighted the difficult conditions faced by these people, who are currently residing in huts made of corrugated sheets. He emphasized that their primary livelihood, fishing, has been severely impacted.   

The Thera also mentioned the challenges faced by the people in Mullaitivu, including harassment by TNA MPs and the influence of campaigns conducted by the Tamil Diaspora. He expressed concern that some individuals believe the Sinhalese have no right to reside in the North, and they do not allow Buddhist temples to be established in the area. 

 
In response to these challenges, the Thera urged the authorities to either facilitate the return of the displaced Sinhalese people to their original lands or provide an alternative settlement for them.