Army Receives 148 Mn Compensation & Vacated 133 Acres at Keppapilavu in Mullaitievu

A300-day protest staged by the displaced people demanding that the army vacate 133 acres at Keppapilavu in the former LTTE stronghold Mullaitivu had been brought to an end by relocating troops stationed there, Rehabilitation Ministry sources revealed.

Rehabilitation Minister D. M. Swaminathan had, following consultations with relevant authorities, paid Rs. 148 mn for the relocation of troops. The land would be officially handed over to its legitimate owners today (28).

Newly appointed Military Spokesman Brigadier Sumith Atapattu confirmed the arrangement to shift troops from Keppapilavu in the Muhudubadapattu Divisional Secretariat area. The Rehabilitation Ministry announced the latest arrangement with the Army amidst efforts by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) to regain the land. TNA leader and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan has sought President Maithripala Sirisena’s intervention several times to secure the release of land held by the Army.