Sinhala settlers block Tamils from fishing in Navakkiri tank in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Monday, 17 October 2011, 18:36 GMT]
Resettled Tamil people in 35th colony in Vellaave'li DS division in Batticaloa district are barred by from fishing in Navakkiri tank by Sinhalese from 36, 37 and 37 colonies on the orders of Samurdhi Authority officials in 36th colony. The Tamil families are told by the Sinhalese that Navakkiri tank belongs to Sinhalese and not to Tamils. Hence they cannot venture in inland fishing in the tank, according to affected persons.

Tamil fishermen were further told that the said tank is being maintained by the Samurdhi Authority.

Affected Tamil fisher families are taking steps to lodge a complaint with the Batticaloa Regional Office of the Human Rights of Sri Lanka (HRCSL).

Forty Tamil families uprooted due to aggression by the Sinhala dominated Sri Lanka Army and intimidation by Sinhalese and living elsewhere since 1990 till 2007 have been resettled in the village in 2008 without any basic facilities such as electricity supply, medical and transport facilities.

Chronology: