Three years: No solution yet for Eastern Province dairy farmers’ issue!
Hundreds of people protested outside the Batticaloa District Secretariat on Monday, 02nd of November, demanding the removal of illegal settlers from the Mayilaththamadu and Mathavanai grazing lands in the Batticaloa District, before a court order against 11 organizers brought the demonstration to an end. The injustice over the community of Tamil cattle farmers has been ongoing for over three years.
Protesters – directly affected cattle farmers and their family members, supporters, and concerned people from the north and south- called for the protection of the grazing lands, the implementation of decisions taken by the District Development Committee, and the removal of settlers occupying the area. A group of Sinhalese peasants who reached the area from outside is the only encroaching group.
They called for the restoration of grazing lands traditionally used by dairy farmers, the removal of alleged illegal settlers, and the implementation of a court ruling related to the dispute.
They also raised slogans opposing the Mahaweli Project and demanding that authorities protect their livelihoods. and for the Mahaweli Authority to leave the area.
In May 2026, the Present government stated its decision to gazette the grazing lands as grazing lands and to give lands to peasants to do their cultivation from the Mahaweli lands. Even though the government has taken that step, government authorities have not implemented the laws.
The struggle began two years ago when cattle belonging to Tamil dairy farmers were subjected to attacks, including shootings, injuries caused by sharp weapons, and poisoning, when released into the disputed grazing areas.
Protesters said the farmers and their livestock continued to face threats from people illegally settled in the area.
MONLAR, a non-governmental organisation, claimed that the ongoing dispute has severely affected milk production in Batticaloa, with daily production reportedly declining from approximately 5,000 liters to around 500 liters.
The Batticaloa District Secretary met only seven cattle farmers during the protest. But according to them, the meeting was a failure. They said that they were dissatisfied as the meeting did not address their concerns, they told the media.
According to Father Luchron, coordinator of the Batticaloa District Civil Society Action Network, a court order against 11 organizers was issued during this mass protest in front of the Batticaloa District Secretariat.
He said it named him, MPs Srinesan and Srinaath, network chair Sivayoganathan, Cattle Farmers’ Association president Nimalan, and Farmers’ Federation president Mohan, among others.
The court order dispersed the protesters, but the true struggle carried on for three years that needed immediate intervention remains without a solution.
Pictures – Internet
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