Wildlife Department blocking cultivation on freehold lands, Horowpothana farmers allege

By Mangala Pavithrani  

Farmers in Horowpothana have been unable to carry out their cultivation activities due to the Department of Wildlife allegedly taking over their freehold farmlands, National Farmers’ Organisation Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon said.  
He claimed that the Wildlife Department and the Forest Conservation Department have warned farmers in Horowpothana, Monaragala, and Anuradhapura Districts that legal action will be taken if they resume cultivation on these lands. “These lands, which were owned freehold by the people, were abandoned during the war. After the war ended, farmers returned and started cultivating them. The freehold rights of these lands are with the farmers, not the Wildlife Department,” Tennakoon said.  
He further alleged that there are 3,468 small lakes under the Agrarian Development Department in the Horowpothana, Anuradhapura, and Kebitigollewa areas, many of which have not been developed, while some have been acquired by the Wildlife Department. Tennakoon added that although all relevant authorities, including the President, have been informed of the matter, no permanent solution has been provided so far. He said preparations are underway to gather affected farmers and take up the issue directly with the President.  
However, when contacted by the Daily Mirror, an officer of the Horowpothana Wildlife Department denied the allegations, stating that the department has not taken over farmers’ freehold lands. He said legal action is taken only against cultivations carried out near forests and forest reserves.