There is view held by many that the relationship between the security forces and internally-displaced persons (in a post-conflict situation) is not compatible.
But Eastern Province’s Governor Austin Fernando, who had served the Sri Lanka government as Defence Secretary, does not agree with this. He claims that the Sri Lanka Navy has been carrying out constructive work for the benefit of the Sampur residents.
[In Sampur, 1,125 acres, once occupied by the Navy, were released between August 2015 and March 2016].
“The Navy has been engaged in clearing of land, laying roads and providing drinking water connections and drains,” said Mr. Fernando.
Residents of the village do not dispute the work being done by the Navy but they say their land, traditionally used for farming, is still with the security forces. A field official acknowledges this and says the Eastern Provincial Council has been requested to identify an alternative patch of 35 acres.
