Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage assures Kachchativu will be protected; admits difficulties in arresting Indian fishermen
The Sri Lanka Navy has no intention of reacquiring lands that have already been released to civilians in the Valikamam North area for naval purposes, said Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, the Northern Naval Commander.
He made this statement in response to a question raised by journalists during a friendly media discussion held yesterday (Sunday) at the Kankesanthurai Naval Base in Jaffna.
“The Sri Lanka Navy operates with three main priorities — economic, environmental, and national security. We have already released several acres of private land, including the Presidential Palace area in Valikamam North, back to the people. We will not take over lands that have been released,” Admiral Liyanagamage said.
When a journalist pointed out that landowners were still unable to access some of the released properties, including those around the former Presidential Palace, the Admiral responded, “We have handed over those lands, and they now fall under the responsibility of the Urban Development Authority.”
Speaking further, he noted that while Sri Lanka maintains a respectful relationship with India, the Navy continues to arrest Indian fishermen who cross the maritime boundary illegally.
“Arresting Indian fishermen is challenging because they enter our waters in groups of 30 to 50 boats at a time. When we attempt to surround them, many manage to flee back into their waters. Still, we continue to arrest those we can, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
Referring to the Kachchativu issue, Admiral Liyanagamage asserted, “The ownership of Kachchativu is well known to both nations and their politicians. According to the 1974 Indian court ruling, Kachchativu belongs to Sri Lanka. There is no doubt about that. As the Sri Lanka Navy, it is our duty and responsibility to protect Kachchativu.”
When questioned about allegations linking some naval personnel to drug smuggling and illegal fishing in northern waters, the Admiral stated, “Illegal maritime activities cannot be controlled by the Navy alone. We work with the Air Force and Army to curb such operations. So far, we have not received any reports linking Navy personnel to such activities. If such incidents occur, we request the public to inform us. With community cooperation, we can effectively stop these illegal operations.”
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