A people’s tribunal for people displaced by war and tsunami
Prof L.M. Abeywickrama, in cooperation with the Praja Abhilasha Network and the People to People Dialogue (PPD), wrote a research report titled “Land Issues of Sri Lanka”, which was launched in June 2009.
The report reviewed a number of key displacement issues but it has not been followed up by real action.
For example, the government has done nothing for the 450 families displaced in Sampur as a result of the civil war who are still living in camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Killiweddi, Trincomalee District.
It has not solved the tragedy of 17,000 people stuck in refugee camps after they were displaced by a tsunami.
It has not helped families in Monaragala District whose homes and fields were destroyed by hungry elephants that went on a rampage.
“What’s the point of development if so many people are still displaced,” a Praja Abhilasha member said, as he talked about the thousands of acres of land set aside by the government for manufacturing plants and hotels for tourists.
“Last year, we sent the government a report on the IDP situation,” said NAFSO Secretary General Herman Kumara. “We got no reply. It seems that whenever we seek government help, we are turned down instead of getting aid for the people who need it. For this reason, we have decided to set up a People’s Tribunal”.
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