Tamil farmers in Sri Lanka struggle to reclaim land after civil war

In the aftermath of Sri Lanka's civil war, which ended in 2009, Tamil agricultural communities in the northern and eastern provinces continue to face significant challenges in reclaiming ancestral lands. Many farmers report that their territory has been occupied by the military, government institutions, or settlers benefiting from state-funded programs like the Mahaweli development scheme.

In the Batticaloa region, cattle farmers have maintained a multi-year vigil to protest what they describe as land theft and the destruction of their livestock. Local leaders report that over 5,700 cows have been killed through shooting, assault, or the poisoning of pastures. These farmers allege that settlers, often from the Sinhalese majority, are encroaching on grazing lands despite court orders for eviction.

Beyond livestock grazing, the disputes extend to paddy fields and rice cultivation. Displaced families face obstacles including landmines, structural changes made during military occupation, and inconsistent government progress regarding resettlement and reconciliation. For these communities, the restitution of land is viewed as a fundamental requirement for food security, economic stability, and genuine post-war reconciliation.