'Tamils will not accept hasty decision on land matters’

[TamilNet, Sunday, 27 July 2003, 05:18 GMT]
"We cannot accept any hasty decision taken regarding land related problems in the Trincomalee district at a time when all attempts are made to take forward the peace process and serious consideration is given to the establishment of an interim administrative structure with adequate powers," said the Trincomalee district parliamentarian, Mr.Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, Saturday to the media following the cancellation of Lands Minister's visit to Trincomalee, sources said.

Tamil parliamentarians Messrs. Sampanthan and K.Thurairetnasingham arrived at the Trincomalee district secretariat Saturday morning after the cancellation of the mobile service related to land problems in Trincomalee district and the visit of Lands Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaretna to the eastern port town.

Both parliamentarians met the Trincomalee District Government Agent, Mr.N.P.K. Nelumdeniya, at the district land office and discussed several matters related to the distribution of state lands to encroachers and others. The discussion between the Government and the TNA MPs took place Saturday amid speculation among Tamil people in the district that the mobile service was organized by the Lands Ministry to distribute state lands scattered in the town and other areas to members of the majority community before an interim administrative structure is established, informed sources said.

There was further speculation among Tamils that Sinhalese government officials at the Trincomalee district secretariat had made arrangement to distribute state lands located in the heart of the town between Samudragama, an unlawful Sinhala settlement and the Sangamitta Buddhist Rest House to members of the majority community at the mobile service presided by the Minister, sources said.

Both parliamentarian answered questions by media persons before they commenced discussion with the GA on such matters, sources said.

Mr.Sampanthan in reply to a question said land related matters are to play a vital role in finding a lasting political solution. At this stage, “we are not in a position to accept any decision hastily taken regarding land related matters in the Trincomalee district when the urgent necessity has arisen to take forward the peace process and at a time when serious consideration is given to the question of establishing an interim administrative structure with adequate powers for the northeast province,” Mr.Sampanthan said.