Former Member of Parliament Thurairasa Ravikaran has accused the government of pursuing a controversial agenda in Northern Sri Lanka, alleging attempts to seize land belonging to Tamil communities and impose a systematic “Buddhization” of the region. Speaking on the issue, he asserted that Vedukkunari Malai in Vavuniya North is historically and culturally the property of the Tamil people and warned that such actions risk reigniting deep ethnic tensions.
Ravikaran’s remarks come in response to a recent statement made in Parliament by the Minister of Buddhasasana, who claimed that Vedukkunari Malai contains only Buddhist religious identifiers. The minister further announced that 229 acres of land in Kurunthur Malai are to be allocated to the Department of Archaeology, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Tamil representatives.
Highlighting ancestral ties to the land, Ravikaran emphasized that generations of Tamil worshippers have maintained religious practices at the Aadi Sivan temple located in Vedukkunari Malai. He stated that despite facing numerous obstacles over the years, these traditions have continued, underscoring the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connection of the Tamil people to the area.
Rejecting the government’s archaeological justification, Ravikaran argued that claims of Buddhist heritage cannot be used as a basis to occupy land without transparent and credible evidence. He accused the authorities of demonstrating “double standards” by undermining the identity, livelihoods, and religious traditions of the Tamil population while publicly claiming to represent all communities.
He also issued a warning to the current administration, stating that if it follows the path of previous governments accused of similar actions, it could face comparable consequences. Questioning the legitimacy of the claims, he asked when and by whom these alleged Buddhist identifiers were discovered, pointing out that no impartial or scientifically rigorous archaeological excavation has been conducted to establish the truth.
Drawing comparisons to past controversies, Ravikaran challenged the government’s approach, asking how it differs from earlier instances where land claims were made on religious grounds without sufficient evidence. He warned that such actions risk deepening divisions and reviving accusations of ethnic and religious bias.
Condemning the proposed transfer of 229 acres to the Department of Archaeology, Ravikaran stated that the move would displace local communities by taking over agricultural lands, leaving many without livelihoods. He described the plan as unjust and harmful to the people who have long depended on the land.
Concluding his statement, Ravikaran declared that these actions would be strongly opposed and called on the Tamil community to remain vigilant. He stressed that they would not stand by silently and would resist any efforts to occupy or alter the identity of their traditional lands.
