28 June, 2011 - Published 17:54 GMT

Call to Legalise lands

Residents of Mihindupara held a demonstration at the Trincomalee town calling upon authorities to provide with documentation for the lands occupied by them.

The protest was led by the Buddhist priests in the area.

"The inhabitants of Mihindupra have lived for more than fifty years in this hamlet and now there are moves to chase them away," the Venerable Mihindupura Mahindawansa thero of the Trincomalle Fort Buddhist centre said.

Among the protestors was Venerable Dehiovita Piyathissa thero who said that interested parties coming along with members of the security forces, exert
pressure on Innocent villagers compelling them to move away.

The Buddhist monks handed over a petition to the Trincomalee Divisional Secretary S. Jaladeepan, who said that the issue will be taken up for discussion.