Aiyathurai Ravindran, a resident of the Thiyatty area in Kankesanthurai, Valikamam North, Jaffna, was forced to leave his village in 1990 due to the war, becoming one of many people displaced from their homes.
Ravindran and others, who returned to the area in 2017 with permission from the security forces, have been unable to reclaim their lands because those lands are now under army control.
Expansion of the Temple Grounds
Ravindran states that when he left his original land three decades ago, a Buddhist temple occupied an area of about 20 parappus (approximately 200 perches). However, he claims that the temple’s territory has now been expanded to cover an area of 150 parappus (about 9 acres) with the assistance of the army.
“In 1990, there was a Buddhist temple occupying around 20 parappus of land. But it was not called the Tissa Temple. It was a simple Buddhist temple with a small monastery, mostly serving Sinhalese people working at the Kankesanthurai port, customs, and nearby factories,” said Ravindran.
He added, “When I returned in 2017, both of our houses were destroyed. We left with only a small bag of essentials, and when we came back, we had nothing left. My land is now within the area occupied by the Tissa Temple, which prevents me from accessing it.”
Local Protests and Allegations
Ravindran is among several individuals who cannot access their lands because they are now situated within the area where the Tissa Temple is built. During a press conference held in Colombo on March 20, the affected individuals urged the government to intervene and return their lands.
In 2018, former Governor Reginald Cooray laid the foundation stone for the construction of a temple on the site of the old monastery. According to those who lost their lands, the army expanded the Tissa Temple in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel restrictions were in place.
The affected individuals have also provided with a rough map detailing the land where the old temple stood, as well as the land currently occupied by the expanded Tissa Temple.
Despite informing the authorities about the unauthorized construction, the temple’s development was not halted, and the affected individuals have not received a proper solution.
Official Correspondence and Protests
Pathmanathan Sarujan, one of the people whose land was seized, stated that the Pradeshiya Sabha had formally informed the President and Prime Minister of the issue. In 2022, the Secretary to the President and the Secretary to the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs to halt construction and submit a report.
Sarujan claims that a copy of that letter was also sent to the Pradeshiya Sabha, but no effective action has been taken. In response, the affected individuals have been protesting near the temple every Poya day since 2023, demanding the release of their lands.
Minister’s Mediation Offer
Several affected individuals recently met with the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Professor Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to discuss their grievances.
The Minister told that although the issue does not directly fall under his ministry’s jurisdiction, he is willing to act as a mediator to help resolve the problem.
“I mentioned that since there is a temple here, part of the issue falls under the Ministry of Buddhism. I advised them to formally present their concerns to me, and I will intervene as a mediator. I will also engage with relevant authorities such as the Pradeshiya Sabha and the Divisional Secretariat to seek recommendations and work toward a solution,” Minister Professor Hiniduma Sunil Senevi explained.
Army’s Response
Brigadier Warna Gamage, the army’s media spokesperson, stated that the army only provides support for legal activities associated with religious practices.
“If anyone asks us for help with any religious activity, whether Buddhist or Muslim, we will support them legally. We will not participate in anything that involves illegal land acquisition or causes discord among the people,” Brigadier Gamage said.
