A large-scale peaceful protest titled “Naam Neelagamam” is scheduled to take place in Colombo today (5), calling for permanent land rights for Hill Country Tamils and condemning a recent violent incident in the Neelagamam estate in Kahawatta, Ratnapura.
The demonstration, organized by the “Naam Malayagam” movement, is expected to begin around 11:00 a.m. at the Panchikawatta Junction in Colombo. The protest follows an incident in which a resident of the Neelagamam estate was reportedly assaulted by masked individuals, with damage also caused to their residence. The incident has sparked widespread concern and public discussion.
Criticism has also been directed at Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep, who initially did not visit the affected area, though he later met with the victims and stated at a recent media briefing in Colombo that justice had been served.
Organizers emphasized that the Neelagamam incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of long-standing marginalization faced by Hill Country communities. They stated that despite contributing significantly to the country’s economy, many people in these communities continue to live without secure land ownership.
The protest aims not only to condemn the recent violence but also to demand a lasting solution to the decades-long struggle for land rights. Organizers have called on civil society groups, trade unions, university students, and political representatives to participate in the demonstration, highlighting the need for collective action to address the issue.
