| Over 60 families living on an island known locally as “Gange Wadiya” live in fear of displacement after the Navy imposed new restrictions on them.
Gange Wadiya situated in the Puttalam district has been the abode of these families for over five decades. They claim the new restrictions make it difficult for them to live on the islet.
W. Emmanuel a resident said: “It is very clear that someone somewhere intends turning the island into a tourist resort and to implement this project the Navy has commenced construction activity. “We are not poachers, we are innocent fishermen and regard this place as our home, despite the fact that even basic facilities are not available. Even drinking water is brought in using canoes from sources 5 km distant.
“In 1996 the LTTE raided this place and cold-bloodedly butchered 16 of our fellow-villagers. Among the victims were women and children. “At that time no one was willing to come to these areas, but today with the dawn of peace it is a different story,” Emmanuel lamented.
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| Despite deadly attacks by the LTTE the community braved all difficulties, but with the dawn of peace they now face eviction due to Navy restrictions. |
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| At the time of the LTTE attacks no one was willing to come to these areas |
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| We are fishermen, not poachers |
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