Fact Finding Mission Report- Batticaloa West, NPDS ... - IDP SriLanka

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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA
Fact Finding Mission at Batticalo West
Executive Summary
National Protection and Durable Solution for Internally Displaced Parsons Project of the
Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka visited the newly resettled areas of west part of
Batticaloa district on 27 th , 28 th , & 29 th of August 2007. The areas covered are Poratheevu
Pattu, Manmunai South West and Manmunai West DS divisions.
Although less security issues were reported against the STF in Vavunathivu and Paddipalai
DS divisions, some issues of concerns were reported to the Mission in Vellavelly
(Poratheevupattu) DS division and the Mission is conducting further investigations.
It was observed that there are many teacher vacancies and also schools were not provided
with necessary furniture. Some students also mentioned that they have lost their school text
books while displaced and that they were not provided with new ones.
There are number of vacancies to be filled for the posts of Administrative Officers, Grama
Niladharies, Women Development Officers and Child Protection Officers & Clerical staff at
Vavunathivu, Paddipalai, Vellavelly Divisional Secretariat offices. Lack of staff hinders the
resettlement facilitation programmes.
Many people have lost their personal documents and in some instances people don’t have
their supportive documents as well. They should be facilitated to obtain their personal
documents.
People were not provided with necessary seeds and fertilizer to begin their cultivations and
most of the paddy lands in the area were left abandoned. Being controlled under the LTTE
for a long time West Batticaloa can be considered as one of the least developed areas in the
district. Community Development projects should begun to address the needs of the people
in the area.
NATIONAL PROTECTION AND DURABLE SOLUTION FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONs PROJECT
65/1, Muththaiyapillay Avenue, Tel. / Fax: 0112662587
Ward Place, Colombo 07. Web: www.idpsrilanka.lk Email : hrccidp@sltnet.lk

Introduction
Subsequent to the government control of West part of Batticaloa district, 75,163 persons from
22,650 families were resettled in Poratheevu Pattu, Manmunai South West and Manmunai
West DS divisions. Project felt the necessity to monitor the human rights situation of the
people thus resettled by the Government. A Fact finding mission of the Project visited newly
resettled areas of west part of Batticaloa district on 27 th , 28 th , & 29 th of August 2007. It was
intended to
To find and understand the present situation of resettled people in these areas
To find short term and long term solutions for protection issue faced by them
To take appropriate actions and lobby the findings among district authorities and sectorial
heads at Colombo level.
Background of the DS divisions visited by the Fact Finding Mission
I. Manmunai West (MW) / Vavunatheevu DS Division:
This division is divided into 24 GNs divisions consisting 116
villages and covers 292.7 Sqm accounting for 11.12% of the
district land area. Population of MW division consisted of
30,026 Persons from 7,846 families in 2005. For the last few
years, most part of the area of this division was controlled by
LTTE.
Population
Population consisted of 30,026 persons from 7,846 families in 2005. 15,890 registered as
voters in17 polling divisions.
Returnees
21,792 people of 7,211 families returned after displacement.
Economy
Economy of the division is mainly based on agriculture while inland fishing and brick
manufacturing, livestock [Cattle, Buffaloes, Goats and Poultry] occupy the second place in the
income generation.
Social & Cultural Structure
Major portion of the population is engaged in agriculture while wage labouring occupies
second place in the social structure. Other occupation is livestock [Cattle, Buffaloes, Goats and
Poultry]. 12,552 members of 5,357 families were issued food stamps in 2005. According to
the Government Statistical Records of 2005, there were 29,552 Hindus, 474 Roman Catholics.
Health & Education
There was a Central Dispensary and MH hospital at Puthumandapaththadi & Navatkadu and
Central Dispensary at Mahilavadduvan and Nediyamadu.
According to Kachcheri statistical records of 2005/06 there were 26 pre-schools, three 1C type
schools, eight grade II type schools and seventeen grade III type schools in Manmunai West
DS division at that time under the Batticaloa Educational Zone.
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Resources
29,468 acres are recognized as asweddumised (usable) for paddy cultivation. And there is a
major irrigation tank named Unnichchai (12757 irrigable Acre) and two medium size irrigation
tanks named Adaichchakal tank (325irrigable acres) and Sevakapattu Kulam tank (300 acres).
Local Authorities & Institutions
There was a Pradesha Shaba available in this division namely, Manmunai West Pradesiya
shaba at Vavunathivu and under that three libraries and ten community centers were
functioning. Meanwhile one MPCS, 09 Fisheries Cooperative Societies, 25 RDS and 24
WRDS were also available in this division.
Road & Transport Service
Minor roads connect this division with other areas; the Ayithiyamalai – Vavunatheevu -
Batticaloa Road – 18 km connects this division with Batticaloa town in east. Vavunatheevu –
Paddipalai Road (17km) connects with MSW division in south, and Ayitiyamalai – Badulla
Road connects in North West (at present not in use).
The CTB bus services provided from Battocaloa town to Unnichcha , Batticaloa – Karavatti,
Batticaloa - Munaikadu – Pattipalai, Also MPCS bus services provided from Batticaloa –
Kravatti. But Panchchenai people face difficulties in transport. There is no bus depot in the
Manmunai West division.
Selected Villages to the Mission
Kurinchchamunai, Parithichchenai, Pawatkodichchenai, Puthumandapathathadi, Ganthi Nager,
Unnichchai, Nediyamadu, Ayithiyamalai South, Ayithiyamalai North, Vavunatheevu,
Mankykaddu, Eachchentheevu, Navatkudah.
II.
Manmunai South West / Pattipalai DS Division:
This division is divided into 24 GNs divisions consisting 39
villages and covers land of 161.6 Sqm accounting for 6.14% of
district land area. For the last few years, most part of the land
area of this division was controlled by LTTE.
Population
Population consisted of 25,279 persons from 6,759 families (25,279 Tamils in 2006).The
average population density is 202. And 14,785 registered as voters in16 polling divisions.
Returnees
21,675 people of 6,543 families returned after displacement.
Economy
Agriculture is main economy of the people in the division. There are about 15,502 acre of
asweddumized paddy land in the division of which major 6525.1 acre, minor 131 acre and
rainfed 8848.9 acre respectively, These paddy lands are cultivated in Maha ,Yala in Cultivation
year.
Social & Cultural Structure:
Major portion of the population is engaged in agriculture while livestock [Neat Cattle,
Buffaloes, Goats and Poultry] occupies second place in the social structure. Other occupation is
fishing. 4,171 families were issued Samurdhi food stamps up to 2006. According to
Government Statistical Records of 2006/07, there were 25,080 Hindus (Male-12314, Female-
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12766), 112 Roman Catholics (Male, 51, Female - 61), 86 other Christian (Male 35, Female
56) and 1183 widows.
Health & Education
There was a CD & MH hospital and MOH Office at Mahiladitheevu (Kokkadichcholai).
According to the Divisional Statistical Records of 2006/07 there were 24 pre-schools, one AB
type school, two 1C type schools, eight grade II type schools and seven grade III type schools
in Manmunai South West DS division at that time. There were 5,970 students (3049 Boys,
2921 girls) in 18 schools under the Pattiruppu Educational Zone.
Recourses:
15, 502 acres are recognized as asweddumised (usable) for paddy cultivation, and there are two
major and medium size irrigation tanks named Puluhunavai tank (4388 irrigable acres),
Kadukkamunai tank (3260 acres), Mahiladithivu tank (200 acres)
Local Authorities & Institutions:
There was a Pradesha Shaba available in this division namely “Manmunai South West
Pradesiya Shaba at Kokkaddicholai” and under that one library and eight community centers
were functioning. Meanwhile one MPCS, 06 Fisheries Cooperative Societies, 26 RDS and 24
WRDS were also available in this division.
Road & Transport Service:
The “B 018” Class RDA Roads (Ambilanthurai – Veeramunai Road - 14.88km) connecting
this division with Poratheevu DS division in south. Vavunatheevu – Paddipalai Road (17km)
connecting in north. The “A27” class (Amparai – Maha Oya) road crosses the south west part
of this division.
CTB bus services are provided from Battocaloa town to Paddipali villages. But there is no bus
depot in the Manmunai South West divisional villages.
Selected Villages to the Mission:
Thanthamalai, Ratbana, Mavadi Munmari, Panichchayadi munmari, Viduthikkal,
Kachchakody Kuluvinamadu , Kokkaddichcholai , Kokkaddichcholai South, and
Mahilavattuvan.
I. Poratheevupattu DS Division:
This division is divided into 43 GNs divisions consisting
120 villages and covers land of 167.2 Sqm accounting for
6.35% of the district land area. For the last few years,
most part of the land area of this division was controlled
by LTTE. (Mandur 1, 2, Mandur 3, Mandur Kottamunai,
Thambalawatta, Palamunai, Kaneshpuram, Snkarpuram,
and Ranamadu. Controlled by SLF)
Population
Population consisted of 48,202 persons from 12,552 families (47,417 Tamils & 785 Sinhalese
in 2005).
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Returnee
After the resettlement population is 29,001 persons of 9,048 families.
Economy
The economy of the division is mainly based on agriculture and lagoon fishing, other
occupation is seasonal works. There are about 22,441 acres of asweddumized paddy land in the
division of which major 13,584 acres, minor 689 acres and rain fed 8, 68 acre respectively,
These paddy lands are cultivated in Maha ,Yala in Cultivation year.
Social & Cultural Structure
Major portion of the population is engaged in agriculture while fishing occupies the second
place in the social structure. Other occupation is seasonal works and 8,422 members of 6,651
families were issued Samurdhi food stamps in 2005. According to the government statistical
records of 2005, there were 47024 Hindus, 781 Buddhists, 397 Christians.
Health & Education
There was a MOH Office at Vellavelly, Mandur Hospital, CD & MH at Palukamam, CD at
Palayadivatta and Kiramodhaya Helth centers.
According to the Kachcheri statistical records of 2005 there were 51 pre-schools, 1C type - 5
schools, grade II type – 11 schools and grade III type – 17 schools in Porathivupattu DS
division.
Resources
22,441 acres are recognized as asweddumised (usable) for paddy cultivation. And there are two
major and medium size irrigation tanks named Periyakulam, Palugamam tank (300irrigable
acres), Periya kulam, Periya porathivu tank (340 acres). And 1014 acres of extend coconut.
Local Authorities & Institutions
There was a Pradesha Shaba available in this division namely, “Porathivupattu Pradesiya
shaba” at Palugamam and under that 03 libraries and 10 community centers were functioning.
Meanwhile 01 MPCS, 06 Fisheries Cooperative Societies, 48 RDS and 07 WRDS were also
available in this division.
Transport Service
The “B 018” Class RDA Road (Ambilanthurai – Vellavelly - Veeramunai Road - 14.88km)
connects this division with Paddipalai DS division in north. The Vellavelly – Mandur -
Paddiruppu road (6.3km) connects with Kaluwanchikudy in south east.
The CTB bus services provided from “Kaluwanchchikudy - Vellavelly – Palayadivatta”,
“Kaluwanchchikudy - Palukamam”, “Palukamam – Thikkodai”, the private bus/van services
also provided to this villages from Kaluvanchchikudy. But there is no bus depot in the
Porathivupattu DS division, and people want more bus services to fulfill their day today
requirements. There is no bus depot in the Porathivupattu DS division.
Selected Villages to the Mission
Palaydi vatta, Nellikadu, Vilanthottam, Kakkachchiwatta, Palachcholai, Yanakattiyaveli,
Kannapuram East , Kannapuram, Navagiri Nager, Selvapuram, Thikkodai, Sinnawaththa,
Maalayerkattu, Ranamadu (Border villages to Ampara district / Veeragoda..),
Kovilporatheevupattu, Ponnakulam
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Background of the Displacement
West part of Batticalo has been under control of LTTE since 1990 and in 2007 Government
began its operations to liberate the area and LTTE moved to Vakarai.
People from Vavunatheevu, Paddiplai and Vellavelly DS Division had to displace due to
mutual shelling, and artillery fire of LTTE and SLF. People from the LTTE controlled areas of
Batticaloa west were displaced to Batticaloa, Kaluvanchchikudy, Arayampathy, Chenkalady
and Valaichchenai Divisional Secretariat Divisions as well as Kalmuani, Karaitheevu,
Addapalam and Thirukovil in Amparai District. A total of 106,426 persons of 26,810 families
were displaced to Government controlled areas of Batticaloa since February 2007.
Resettlement Process
Resettlement process of these 3 DS Divisions begun by the beginning of June 2007. Presently,
most of the displaced from Pddipalai, Vellavelly DS division have been resettled in their places
of origin. In Vavunatheevu DS division, other than in Ayithiyamalai North and South in other
areas people were resettled. (In Ayithiyamalai North and South mine clearance is still being
carried out at the time of the Missions’ visit)
The displaced were taken by CTB buses to their places of origin and the buses were arranged
by the Government Agent of Batticaloa with the coordination of area Divisional secretaries and
Grama Niladaries of the area. Displaced were registered by the Grama Niladhri of their area
and thereafter they were photographed by Police and provided temporary identity cards (IDP
Registration Card) afterwards. Before the resettlement process, IDPs were consulted and their
consent had been obtained by the respective government officers. But people mentioned that
there were no go and see visits before they were resettled.
In Ayithiyamalai North and South GN divisions of Vavunathivu DS Area resettlement has not
been started due to land mine clearance in. Rest of the DS division (22 divisions) has been
resettled. According to the OIC of Ayithiyamalai police station land mines are cleared in the
area. However, the clearance certificate still has not been issued but it will be issued on the 1 st
week of September and the people will be resettled in the area from 11 th of September 2007.
Conditions after Resettlement:
1. Food Relief
Most of the resettled were provided resettlement packages during the resettlement by the
Ministry of Resettlement. Dry rations (rice -2.8kg, flour-2.8kg, dhal-840gm, suger-2.8kg, oil-
840g per person for two weeks period) are being issued regularly by WFP through the cooperative
shops in their area. But in some areas rice is not being issued for the month of July
and instead of rice flour was being issued. People also mentioned that they are not used to eat
the rice issued.
Most of the houses have been damaged by the wild elephants after the displacement of the
villagers. Complaints have been lodged at the police with format issued under the Sec. 109 (1)
(2) of Criminal Procedure Code and a form has been filled mentioning the items and values.
But so far no compensation has been given. They were provided with temporary shelter and
building materials such as 16 tin sheets, 16 tiles, one packet of cement and 100 rafters for a
sum of 40,000.00 rupees by IOM and American Red Cross.
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There are only ten families in Ranamadu of Vellavelly (border village to Ampara district).
They have being issued dry rations when they were in Palayadi Kovil welfare center but it was
not issued to them after the resettlement.
2. Human Security
There is an Air Force check point at Valayirvu which is 3km away from Batticaloa before the
entrance of Vavunathivu DS division. Outsiders have to submit their NIC and they will be
issued a chit. The chit should be submitted when returning. But the inhabitants of the areas are
allowed to go by just producing their NIC/ IDP registration card. The list of names of the
government officers and the list of the names of the allowed I/NGOs staff are available at the
check point and Air Force check the identity cards. Some of the officials at the check point
were able to communicate in Tamil.
The Valayiravu area is controlled by Air Force. However, there were police officials including
women police officers at the check point. Displaced people of Vavunathivu have been issued
IDP registration cards except a few. Registration number should be given to everyone even
though they don’t have IDP registration card.
Searches have been done after the resettlement. According to people, security officials are
friendly with the public and helpful in the Vavunathivu and Paddipalai DS divisions. But there
are many security issues in Vellavelly (Poratheevupattu) DS division, another report will be
released in this regard (Report no 2).
After the resettlement, STF has arranged meetings with people (Sunday meetings) where the
village is engaged in sramadana programmes etc. In some areas, STF has arranged for bank
loans and income generation activities for newly resettled IDPs. Mission observed that village
rehabilitation committees were formed by the STF and in some areas they have done a need
assessment (Kurunjuamanai STF) and reported to the DSs and their superiors. People also
mentioned that in an emergency i.e. snake bite etc they would always approach the nearby STF
camp and the STF assist them to take the patients to the nearby hospital which is usually
Batticaloa teaching hospital or Kalawanchikuddi hospital.
There are five police stations (Vavunathivu, Ayithiyamalai, Karadiyanaru, Kokaddichcholai
and Vellavelly) recently established in three resettled DS divisions. It was observed that the
OIC of the Pattipola police station was able to won area people with his language ability and
services.
However, there are no women and child desks and women police officials in these stations.
The Vavunathivu police station is nearly half a kilo meter form Valayiravu check point and it
may be possible to send women officials every day while there providing daily transport to
Valaziravu check point WPC.
Security officials have occupied considerable number of private houses and public buildings in
Mahilawaddavan, Naripulthottam and Pawakkodichchenai at Vavunatheevu DS division and
the list of houses is available.
It was informed to the mission that mines clearings is not fully complete in some of the area in
these DS divisions and it can be seen that authorities have to pay more attention on mine
education.
It is observed that there is TMVP office in Unnichchai. They are carrying weapons and it is
informed by one member of TMVP that they receive complaints from people and they summon
parties concern and intend to settle the dispute or complaints before sending those to police. It
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was confirmed by the Unnichchai residents. The mission found that they do not go to police to
complain against TMVP because their office is located next to the STF camp. In addition to
that the mission was informed that TMVP summons people and some detain for days and the
mission witnessed one case where one boy was taken by TMVP and relatives complaint to the
police.
Most of the ex – LTTE carders have confess to the police that they were former LTTE carders,
and in most of areas it has not become a threat for their life.
Threat of Wild Elephants:
There is a security threat from wild elephants, which have damaged crops and the property of
the returnees. Even at present wild elephants come to villages such as Unnichchai,
Thanthamalai and Ganthi Nager. Before displacement, they were given crackers by the wild
life department but at present they have refused to provide.
3. Health and Sanitation
It is observed during the mission that health facilities available to people are less than
satisfactory. People have to use the nearest CD, CD & MH and Rural Hospitals in those 3 DS
divisions. In case of emergency and maternity cases the patients were being transferring to the
Batticaloa Teaching Hospital by the ambulance. Lack of transport is one of the issues that
affect these people. Pregnant mothers have to walk 2km or 3km distance to arrive to the
available hospital in most of the villages. In some villages people face difficulties to go to the
hospitals during the night time. In case of emergency they can’t use a motorbike or a tractor
but they have to go only by bicycle with hurricane lamp.
In some villages PHMs visit the villages regularly and they do maternity and child care and
give the preventive injections on time. The children under five years old were provided
Samaposha instead of Threeposa. The parents request for Threeposa.
In Iruddusolaimadu, Pawatkodichchenai, Ganthinagar and Unnichchai of Vavunathivu it was
mentioned that there were number of snake bites but due to lack of transport facilities they
cannot take the patients to the hospitals on time. The people ask to arrange for the medical
treatment at the night time in nearest hospital.
It is observed during the mission that the Puthumandapathadi Rural Hospital of Vavunatheevu
that this RH covers seven villages. There is one RMO, four Nursing Officers and six laborers.
There are two wards for males and females. An ambulance is also available. The doctor works
from 9am to 3pm. But there no doctors available during the night time and only two male
nurses are available. So it is difficult too admit female patients at night. And hospital faces
problems in getting water on time. There are always 5-10 patients admitted in the hospital
every day. According to the Doctor (Medical Intern) there are many hepatitis B and diarrhea
cases in the area.
There is a CD & MH Hospital at Kokkaddichcholai, Paddipalai. It covers 5 Villages. There is a
RMO, four nursing officers, 5 PHM, 3 Attendants other 14 labours and an ambulance. But the
hospital does not have sufficient medical facilities. There are always 8-10 patients admitted to
the hospital every day. Emergency cases and maternity cases are transferred to the Batticaloa
teaching hospital. There is no ambulance for the hospital. Midwives, nursing officers are facing
many difficulties without residential facilities, transport facilities in the area. According to the
hospital authorities, malnutrition, snake bites, Poisoning are the major health issues.
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There is a Central Dispensary in Palayadivattai, around 55 patients get medicine per a day. At
night ambulance is made available by ICRC. There is no electricity at the hospital. So
treatments for snake bites etc cannot be kept at the dispensary as there are no fridges. Hepatitis,
snake bites, Anemic cases are common in the area. It was mentioned by villagers that Midwife
doesn’t visit the village; the people have to go to Kakachchiwatta for clinic.
There is a health center donated by TdH in Thanthamalai village of Paddipali, but the furniture
has been stolen during the displacement. Doctor comes twice a month from Batticaloa.
Mosquito nets were issued by the ICRC to the people, but some of the families those are in
boarder areas not being issued the mosquito nets.
Drinking water is supplied to these people by bousers. Pradeshiya sabha and UNICEF supply
water. Some villages get water only for three days in a week. People use drinking water for
bathing and other needs since they don’t have proper water to bath. There are wells in the area
but people are reluctant to use hem due to the salty nature. The drinking water is not supplied
to Pudhumandapathadi, Gandhinagar. The people in Unnichchei get water from Unnichchai
tank which is nearby.
People of Thanthamalai, MavadiMunmari, of Paddipalai do not have toilets and they use the
jungle. But at present they can’t go to the jungle due to security issues and the situation is very
difficult at night.
4. Education
The students were displaced by the beginning of the year 2007 and they have lost their school
text books and uniforms. At the moment they want those items to restart their educational
activities.
Buildings of Kurinchchamunai G.T.M. School of Vavunathivu were damaged by shelling.
There is no water tank, toilets, urinals. It is necessary to reconstruct the buildings before the
next rainy season. In this school there are classes from Grade 1 to Grade 5 and 104 students
attend school. Although there the school teacher’s carder is 5 presently there are only 4
teachers available. According to the school Principal NECORD has proposed to fund for
reconstruct the damaged buildings and other basic facilities
There is G.T.M. School at Kayamadu of Vavunathivu. There are classes from grade 1 to grade
9 and there are 500 students studying in the school. There are three buildings to the school and
from teacher’s carder of 2 are vacant. Food for the school children are being provided by the
World Food Programme.
There is 1C type school namely Kannankuda M.V at Kannankuda of Vavunathivu. There are
400 students from grade one to thirteen (A/L - Arts) in this school. Food for children are being
provided by the WFP. But the school does not have sufficient furniture.
There is no English teacher at the Erudducholaimadu Vishnu M.V at Puthumandapathadi.
There are 180 students and school does not have sufficient furniture as well. From the teachers
carders of 7 only 6 have been filled.
Pawatkodichenai Vinayagar Vidyalayam does not have sufficient furniture. There are 430
students, 16 teachers and classes from Grade one to O’ level in this school.
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No transport facilities are available for school children of Mavadimunmari GTM School. There
are 400 students and 14 teachers. School uniforms have not been provided and the children do
not have sufficient furniture in the school.
Two children were refused by the school authoritiesadmission to sit for the year five
scholarship exam in Palayadivatta. The members of the mission (FFM) were told by the
students and their mother that they were in Kaluwanchchikudy welfare center and Children
temporally went to Kaluwanchikudy Vinayakar Vidyalayam then relocates to Kalaimahal
Maha vidyalayam in Vellavelly. Then the school has refused to allow them to sit for the year 5
scholarship examinations. The case made at the NPDS for IDPs Project, HRCSL-Batticaloa for
the further action.
It is observed during the mission at Ranamadu that there is one school up to grade five; there is
one student, one teacher and a principal to this school. There are no pre schools in this area.
5. Livelihood
Main livelihood of the people is paddy cultivation and they also engage in wage labour, fishing
and there were number of Government servants as well. Most of the farmers have two or three
acres of paddy lands. Paddy cultivation is done during the North-east monsoon season and has
being sold for (near about 66kg) for the sum of 1,100.00 rupees. Harvest of one acre may be 20
to 25 bags. Due to displacement most of the farmers have lost their earnings. After resettlement
they are not in a position to start their cultivation due to lack of seeds and fertilizers and
equipments and also irrigation channels have to be restructured. The time the Fact Finding
Mission visited the area, was the time to begin cultivation but due t the lack of seeds, fertilizer
people were unable to start cultivating. According to people they have being requested for the
seeds and fertilizer to the Agrarian Service Center but so far it has not been provided.
Wage labours were used to earn in their village during the paddy cultivation. But after the
resettlement they have to go out of the district for labour work such as Akkaraipattu,
Karaithivu of Amparai district, Polanaruwa and Kaduruwela. It was told by the people that if
they go out for labour work, they have to return to their villages before 5.00 pm. (See Report 2)
Few numbers of families engaged in inland or lagoon fishing but they have lost their
equipments. According to people of Eachchentheevu they were not allowed to go fishing in
Batticaloa lagoon between 6.00pm to 8.00am. But in Unnichchai, fishermen were allowed to
go fishing at night with hurricane Lamp. Meanwhile the fishermen of Ratbana of Paddipalai
have lost their fishing boats and requested assistance to buy fishing boats.
Women and widows used to earn by animal husbandry but they have lost the animals after the
displacement and they are unable to earn any income.
Most of the people were issued Samurdhi food stamps. They had received the loan assistance
from Samurdhi Bank before the displacement. But after the displacement there are no loan
facilities available to restart their livelihood activities. Oxfam (an INGO) provided the financial
help through the community women development societies particularly in Eachchenthivu area.
But there are no NGO’s assistance to the villagers due to the government procedures.
Masons and carpenters go to the Batticaloa town areas and earn approximately 1,000.00 rupee
per day (for skilled labor) and 600.00 rupee (for non skilled labour). But it is not regular.
Widows receive a sum of 150.00 rupee per month as PAMA.
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The ICRC recently conducted an emergency livelihood program to the number of selected
animators from Nellikadu area.
6. Infrastructure
Postal Service & Communication:
Post offices were available in most of the villages most of the people use mobile phones. But
people in Pawakkodichchenai have to travel six miles to collect their letters from the post
office. There is no post man for Gandhinagar. There are 234 families in Thanthamalai but there
is no post office. If there are any letters Kokkaddichcholai post office would inform through
GN and people have to go there to collect their letters.
Electricity:
Electricity connections are available in Kurinchanmunai. But they have problems in utilizing
the electricity. All necessary electricity items such as switch fuse boards and wires have been
removed during the displacement. Electricity meters are available in most of the houses.
Electricity was tap in Parithichenai. Also, there are no electricity connections in
Puthumandapathadi, Pawakodichenai, Gandhinagar of Vavumatheevu and boarder villages of
Vellavelly & Paddipalai DS divisions.
Transport:
There are bus services available from Batticaloa and Kaluwanchikudy to the inner villages of
west Batticaloa in every three hours. But last bus is from Batticaloa at 2.00 pm. According to
people they don’t have bus services in late evenings and it is difficult for them. Most of the
time buses are over crowded. If people go batticaloa they will only have 3 hours to be in
Batticaloa since the last bus is at 1.30 pm or 2 o’ clock. There is only one bus in service in
some villages. It is very difficult to travel in them since they are always over crowded. There
are three ferry services between the (Mahiladitheevu - Manmunai), (Ambilanthurai –
Kurukkalmadam), (Kurumanvelly - Mandur)
Road Network:
“B 018” Class RDA Road connects the three divisions and out of the division such as
Batticaloa and Kaluwanchchikudy. Minor roads connect with other villages. Most of the places
connect with minor gravel roads. Ayithyamalai - Vavunatheevu main road was damaged and
the bridge has to be repaired.
Shelter:
People don’t have proper shelter before and after resettlement. Most of the houses are in the
villages are built with clay. And roofs were destroyed and it is very difficult during rainy
season. People are in temporary shelters and it was seen that some were given zinc sheets.
Kerosene oil:
Kerosene oil is available at MPC Shops. Price is 70.00 rupee per liter in most of the places. But
in Pudhumandapathadi price has gone up to 90.00 rupees per liter.
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7. Public Administration:
Divisional Secretariat:
According to the ADS of Vavunathivu out of 24 carders for GNs 19 carders have been filed.
Due to this lack of GN it is very difficult to facilitate the resettlement work. The mission
observed that there are some vacancies in the DS office cadre, but it should be mentioned that
available staff work together to assist the returnees. Evan though, they were engaging in hard
job, no additional allowances paid or at least no appreciation was given to them by the relevant
authorities. It is also found out that there is a delay in payment of other overtime for GN
officers and other officers.
DS office does not have electricity, enough buildings and office equipments and office
electrical appliances have been removed during the displacement.
In the case of access for NGOs to the area, no objections were made by the DS officers, and the
mission found that need assessments have been done by the DS office but they were not
reached to NGOs.
Local Government:
Pradesiya Shaba Buildings is being occupied by Police at Vavunathivu
Multipurpose Cooperative Shops:
People of Pudhumandapathadi have to travel five miles to reach the MPCS co-operative shops.
According to people, the cooperate shop doesn’t open on time and the quantity is less then
standard and the shop keepers uses abusive language towards people. Others have access to
MPCS co-operative shops without any difficulties.
8 .Women and Children:
No any child abuse cases or incident reported during or after resettlement. There are number of
widows (young and old) and disables in the villages. They want social security for their
survival. Some have being issued PAMA.
According to people, there was the fear child recruitment or “OPPADA” [It means forced
recruitment any one from each family] before the displacement and Mission observed that most
of the villages that it visited people have married young (even before they turned 15 years) to
avoid conscription by the LTTE. But they mentioned that there is no such fear at present.
9. Other Issues
Personal Documents:
According to DS records there are nearly 758 people who do not have Birth certificate and 774
people don’t have NIC in Vavunathivu. Most of the young people have died in this division
due to war. Their deaths were not reported because parents were afraid to go to police stations
to make report. Furthermore if the death was due to shelling parents would complain to police
that death was caused by an animal attack in fear that they would be considered as terrorists.
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It is known that most of the people who have been married early (mostly in fear of recruitment
by the LTTE) do not have marriage certificates. Their children’s births too were not registered.
Around 1,505 people in Paddipalai DS area do not have NIC & birth certificates and it was
mentioned that they don’t have the supportive documents to obtain birth certificates. According
to Vellavelly DS office nearly 1,459 do not have NICs due to non availability of Birth
certificates and 456 people lost their NIC and 599 don’t have NICs due other reasons.
Voting:
Most of the people were registered for vote registration.
Environmental Problem:
Illegal sand mining and transport is a problem in Ranamadu area and Paruththichchenai. It has
adversely affect people during rainy season as due to sand removal it floods the area easily. It
was informed by the villages that over 100 lorry loads are taken every day by people coming
from out side.
Illicit Arrack:
It was observed by the Mission that illicit arrack was available in all the newly resettled areas.
Through the involvement of the STF in many places selling of illicit arrack had been stopped
but in some areas they were not successful.
Access for I/NGOs
The mission crossed two entry points to enter in to the area at Valayirvu check point and
pattirippu bridge. It is the observation that there are approved lists at the check point and they
ask for approval letter (many time this was checked with them and they use to say “approval”).
According to Additional GA Batticaloa Mr. K. Mahesvaran , the I/NGOs have to submit the
work proposal including activities, scope of working area, period, budget, vehicle details,
staff details etc to the Government Agent Batticaloa.
The GA will have to recommend the proposal and send it to the Eastern Province Commanding
Officer (Major General Parakirama Pannipitiya) at Polonnaruwa. After the approval, he will
inform the respected I/NGO. The guidelines for the recommendation have been sent to the
Government Agent by letter from the Eastern Province Commanding Officer from
Polonnaruwa. The GA's recommendation is based on instructions given at the GA's Meeting,
Colombo level. No Government Circulars seems to be available on this issue.
Up to now TdH, World Vision, Sarvodaya. ICRC, UN Agencies were recommend by the GA
and approved by the Eastern Province Commanding Officer. It was mentioned by I/NGOs that
many of them have not submitted their proposals due to present restrictions.
Recommendation:
I. There is no Women Police Constable in service in the Vavunathivu Police Station, but
daily transport is provided to a WPC who is at Valayirvu check point which is half a kilo
meter away from Vavunathivu police station. It is recommended, if it possible, to release
an additional WPC from Batticaloa police station to Vavunathivu police station and
provide transport while providing transport to Valayirvu check point.
II. Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs should take necessary steps to fill
the vacancies of the Administrative Officers, Grama Niladharies, Women Development
Officers, Child Protection Officers & Clerical staffs at Vavunathivu, Paddipalai,
Vellavelly Divisional Secretariat offices. It would be appreciated if all DS offices will
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e provided the basic facilities. Mission would like to pay especial attention of the
authorities on addressing the delay of payment of GNs and DS office staff, and to pay
special allowance for staff who engage in facilitating return process or to appreciate
service rendered by them.
III. It would be appreciated if all local government authorities will be arranged for the
functioning to ensure the access of the local government serviceS.
IV. There are no post boxes in most far off villages. People from the areas have to walk about
10km – 18km to access a post office. It would be appreciated if post boxes are kept at
villages and collect and deliver letters to ensure the easy access of the postal service.
V. Ministry of Education should take necessary steps to provide text books and uniform for
school children and reconstruction of the school buildings, toilets, urinals and water tanks
that were destroyed by shelling. And Batticaloa Educational Zone and Paddiruppu
Educational Zone should take necessary steps to provide catch-up classes for the
students.
VI. It is recommended to Registrar General Department to take necessary actions to provide
personal documents in regular basis. Because it is difficult to cover only with mobile
service which is ongoing under the Neganahira Navodaya 180 days Project. And have to
give special attention to those don’t have supportive documents to get the BC, DC, MC
and NIC from the relevant department.
VII. West Batticaloa district probably was an under developed area even before being
recaptured by the SLFs. Most of the people are living under poverty. There is a common
need to take community based and rights based approaches in rapid development.
Ministry of Vocational training should take necessary steps to provide vocational training
for youth for self entrepreneurs to overcome poverty. The support for self reliance should
be ensured by the authorities.
VIII. Paddy lands and Chenai Cultivation lands should be utilized. Thus the Agriculture &
Agrarian Service department should take necessary step to provide the paddy seeds,
micro crop seeds. Also may take steps to provide grants or agriculture loans to start the
cultivation and livestock activities while ensuring continues support for marketing.
IX. The relevant authorities should take appropriate actions to extent the MPCS service to the
far villages even on the distribution day.
The recommendations related to the human security are in Report no 2.
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