A protest was held outside the Batticaloa District Secretariat today (03), demanding that authorities take immediate action to resolve the longstanding dispute over cattle grazing lands in the Mayilathamadu area.

According to the non-governmental organisation Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR), a large number of dairy farmers representing the Eastern Province People’s Planning Forum participated in the demonstration.

Protesters called for the restoration of grazing lands traditionally used by dairy farmers, the removal of alleged illegal settlers and the implementation of a court ruling related to the dispute. They also raised slogans opposing the Mahaweli Project and demanding that authorities protect their livelihoods.

MONLAR stated that dairy farmers in Batticaloa have traditionally released their cattle into the Mayilathamadu grazing lands during the cultivation season for several years.

However, the organisation claimed that groups who settled in the area following the end of the war have asserted ownership of portions of the grazing lands, claiming they are part of their ancestral villages.

According to MONLAR, some families were issued temporary land documents during the presidency of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, further complicating the ownership dispute.

The organisation also alleged that cattle belonging to Tamil dairy farmers have been subjected to attacks, including shootings, injuries caused by sharp weapons and poisoning, when released into the disputed grazing areas.

MONLAR further claimed that the ongoing dispute has severely affected milk production in Batticaloa, with daily production reportedly declining from approximately 5,000 litres to around 500 litres.

The organisation said the authorities have yet to find a lasting solution to the dispute, prompting farmers to renew their demands for immediate intervention.

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