Disbanding of Katkolam Army Camp in Point Pedro Residents stage protest

• Protestors submitted a memorandum addressing the matter to the Army Commander of the Army Camp

By Sithum Chaturanga  

Residents of the Point Pedro area staged a fervent protest yesterday, rallying against the impending disbandment of the Katkolam army camp. 

The camp, operated by the 04 Sinha Regiment, is slated to be disbanded as part of a broader initiative aimed at returning land occupied by security forces to local residents. The protest, lasting approximately two hours, aimed to express the community’s strong opposition to this decision.  
Demonstrators contended that the army camp, manned by officers of the 04 Sinha Regiment, played a pivotal role in curbing illicit sand mining and other unlawful activities in the region. The decision to disband the camp, allegedly influenced by political figures and those involved in contraband trades, has raised significant concern among the residents.  

Appealing to the President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the Defence Secretary, protestors urged them not to proceed with the disbandment of the Katkolam army camp. They underscored the camp’s strategic importance in a challenging geographical area and expressed fears that its removal could have negative repercussions on security and safety.  

To emphasize their stance, protestors submitted a memorandum addressing the matter to the Commander of the Army Camp. The memorandum is intended to be forwarded to the Army Commander, highlighting the community’s collective plea to retain the Katkolam army camp.  

The protest stands as a demonstration of the community’s unity and determination to preserve what they perceive as a crucial safeguard against illegal activities in the region.