Protest in Vavuniya over encroachment on a vital irrigation tank

Farmers and residents staged a protest in Vavuniya on Monday, alleging that the encroachment and development of the water catchment area of Kovilkulam pose a serious threat to the tank’s natural water inflow and the livelihoods dependent on it.

The demonstration began in front of the Kudiyiruppu Pillaiyar Temple and proceeded in a march to the Vavuniya District Secretariat, where protesters submitted a petition outlining their concerns to Vavuniya District Secretary P.A. Sarathchandra.

The protesters maintained that the tank’s catchment area is a public resource that must be protected and warned that continued encroachment and development activities would obstruct the natural flow of water into the tank. They said such interference would have severe consequences for irrigation and agriculture in the area.

Demonstrators carried placards demanding an immediate halt to the alleged encroachment and calling on the authorities to safeguard the catchment area and restore the tank.

Receiving the petition, District Secretary P.A. Sarathchandra assured the protesters that the matter would be discussed with the relevant authorities and that appropriate action would be taken.

The protest was attended by representatives of local community organisations, residents, Member of Parliament P. Sathiyalingam, and members of local government bodies.