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Racket to sell ancient reservoirs and paddy lands in Anuradhapura: Farmers’ Union
By Mangala Pavithrani
Colombo, Nov. 6 (Daily Mirror) - A large-scale racket is currently underway to reclaim and sell ancient reservoirs and paddy lands surrounding the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Chairman of the National Farmers’ Union, Anuradha Tennakoon, told the Daily Mirror.
He said that several historic reservoirs and paddy fields belonging to the Atamasthana, including Basawakkulama, Pahala Katukeliyawa, and Thisawewa, are at serious risk of being illegally reclaimed and sold.
“Plans are now being made to reclaim even tanks that are more than a thousand years old,” Tennakoon alleged. “A racket is operating to sell the paddy fields fed by these tanks without cultivating them, with the involvement of senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Irrigation Department, and even some local farmers’ organization leaders.”
He claimed that reclaimed paddy lands are being sold for between Rs. 70 to 80 million per acre, well above the prescribed value, and that there is a rising trend of expatriates and residents from Colombo purchasing these lands for tourism and other hidden interests.
Tennakoon further alleged that the construction of hotels, houses, and restaurants by senior government and security forces officers near tank reserves is causing severe environmental damage to the reservoirs and surrounding areas.
He also noted that even the chief monks in charge of the Atamasthana have been rendered powerless in stopping the illegal activities.
Despite multiple complaints being lodged with the Anuradhapura Police and other relevant authorities, Tennakoon said no effective action has been taken so far to halt the racket.
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