People demand, define development and design it based on People centered development. “Stop land grabbing and we need not this development"

The people who gathered at Colombo yesterday very strongly demanded from the government that they want a development which protect their life and livelihoods and not displace them. Praja Abhilasha Network and Land Forum of Sri Lanka organized a seminar followed by a street protest to register the people’s anger and protest on their land grabbing.
Most of people are isolated and no body is ready to take the lead. As Praja abilasha, we are trying to unite all these people and bring to a common struggle. Present development model is not meant for the development of the people. We are bringing people from all over the country and we will continue this struggle, says Geetha Lakmini in her speech at the objective setting.
“We expect development which protects us, our life and our livelihoods. We are farmers and fisher folk, living in peace and harmony with the nature. We want to sustain our lives without destroying our environment.”
The chief incumbent of Uva Wellassa two divisions, Panama Chandrarathana thero narrated at the National seminar organized on land issues. Hundreds of people representing various parts of the country attended the seminar and almost all are victims of the post war development program of GOSL.
People from Kalpitiya islands, Negombo, Rathgama, Vakarei, Arugambe, Pothuwil, Akkaraipattu, affected who are living in the coastal areas attended the seminar and the protest. All of them voice out not to displace them in the name of development. GOSL has planned to 99 year lease out of lands for hotel constructions, develop tourism resorts, Golf courts, sea plane, air taxi services for tourism development.
Dinesh Suranjan of All Ceylon Fisher Folk Trade Union said, “We have been living in the islands for generations. No body consider us as citizens and it proved with there was no consultation at all for capture the land for Kalpitiya tourism promotion zone development. What we want is to live in harmony with our livelihoods. We do not want to be the victims of this type of development at all. We demand to stop this land grabbing and all the disturbances on us in the name of development.”
Joseph Francis, an IDP from Mullikulam, Mannar stressed that “There were 450 families lived in Mullikulam and they need to go back to their own village. Agriculture, Fishing are the main occupation there and we want to revive them again. Why we do not get the benefit of the so called freedom while others are enjoying them? When do the authorities allow us to go back to our homes?”
Rathgama lagon is one of the most important eco systems in the country with cultural background. The Buddhists monks who used to these islands for meditation purposes which seems to disturb today with the new hotels come up. Dulip Rangajeewa said, “people around Rathgama lagoon will not allow hoteliers to build up hotels and will destroy them unless stop”.
In the same way, Anthony Thamel, a fisherman from Parakrama Samudra Polonnaruwa said, “We do not want Sea Plane to Parakrama Samudra. This is our life. Our livelihoods as fishermen will totally disturbed when Sea Planes are landed in our reservoir. No body discuss this and we do not know what is going to happen to us. What ever it is, we do not consider these as development for us.”

It was highlighted and highly discussed about the present development plan is as a process starting from 1984 tourism master plan and regaining Sri Lanka program which introduced 2002. These were badly defeated by the people and elected new regime which proposed Mahinda Chinthana development program for build Sri Lankan economy. However, it was clearly expressed almost all of the speakers, including Fr.Marimuthtu Sathivel, Fr,Sarath Iddamalgoda and Sr. Sharmindinie Fernando at the seminar. We want to strengthen all these isolated groups and bind them together for a common struggle. We will not end up this till we win. Said, Sandun Thudugala, one of a conveners of Land Forum.

The seminar was followed by a protest which was attracted by many media and security personals.

National Seminar of Development Displaced Communities in Sri Lanka

There are thousands of people displaced due to various development projects of the government and also private sector. This is very much seen among farming communities, fishing communities as well as among slum dwellers in the country today. We can see this is some what growing tendency and people are displaced in many places around country.
Land grabbing in agricultural lands as well as in the coastal areas are very common and people are helpless. No body is ready to take this up due to fear and threats. But, there should be start to end this situation. We know Negombo fisher people struggled and achieved certain degree of victory. The biggest victory against the undemocratic, anti people project was defeating the Private Sector Pension Scheme by FTZ workers. So, what we experience is, if people unite we can defeat the powerful government with 2/3 majority. So, we want to unite and bring them to one coalition on Land grabbing issues in Kalpitiya islands on tourism, Panama Lagoon people, Sampur displaced people due to Special Economic Zone, Polonnaruwa people due to tourism project at Parakrama Samudra, Pigeon islands people due to marine protected area for tourism, in Colombo the slum dwellers, Negomb people who fought against Sea Plane issue at Negombo lagoon, Uma Oya community who are displaced and many more.
We want to bring together as much as we can and give moral strength to the on going campaign. Most important thing is to give moral support to the leaders in the struggle demonstrating our solidarity with them.
So, we would like to invite to you and your organization to take part the 6th September meeting.

The details of the meeting are as follows;

Theme: Unite all Development Displaced Communities for Justice and restore the rights.
Date : 06th September 2011.
Venue: Nagarodaya Center, Borella,
Time: 2.00 pm to 5.30pm.
Organizers: Praja Abhilasha Net work, NAFSO, Food Sovereignty Network of Sri Lanka

We would like to seek your fullest cooperation on this seminar as well as for the future activities.

Challenges and Way Forward for Democracy and Peace in South Asia*

I attended this conference at Kathmandu and presented a paper on Role of Civil Society for democracy, Peace and Justice.
I prepared this paper with our experiences of Sea Plane Struggle at Negombo lagoon and the work related to Platform for Freedom.[PfF]

Herman Kumara
10.07.11

*Kathmandu Declaration*

We, the delegates from all countries of South Asia representing various
political ideologies, mass organizations, trade unions, civil societies,
NGOs, academia, youths and peopleâ?Ts movements representing women, Dalit,
indigenous peoples and other groups of people met together to deliberate on
the challenges and way forward for democracy and peace in South Asia on
01-02 July 2011 in Kathmandu. We affirm that, ****

South Asia, which is very rich in cultural and natural heritages, is
passing through a difficult period. On the one hand, the inter-state
relationships are marred by different levels of mistrusts, hostility and
conflict, on the other hand, the exogenous forces are adding to the crises
by inflicting militarism, debt domination and securitization. These together
have created a situation of despair and vulnerability. The people lack an
enabling environment for fulfilling their aspirations in a manner which
needs to be bottom-up and participatory. The current model of representative
democracy is mostly benefiting a minority affluent class, while the majority
populations are drowned in deep poverty, exclusion, denial of fundamental
human rights and alienation. Political fragmentation of the region by power
brokers has indeed accelerated this process of deprivation and
underdevelopment. The dominant development paradigm in South Asia which is
being promoted by varieties of international aid architect so far has
grossly failed addressing the aspirations and needs of majority people. **

There is a general consensus among the people of the region that peace is
the only way to shared prosperity and meaningful democracy. They reject the
present â?~growth-oriented development modelâ?T based on indiscriminate
exploitation of human labour and plundering of natural resources that
maintains, promotes and perpetuates patriarchy and discrimination. The
challenge of the time is to put the balance in the right perspective to
ensure optimum participation with economic, social, cultural and ecological
justice.****

The way forward is to link grassroots communities for unified and
continuous struggle for the common cause of shared prosperity and pave the
way for lasting peace. This requires radical changes in the mind-set and the
processes of the present systems of governance in the countries of South
Asia, thus relocating priorities and resources to areas that deliver the
most for the majority of the population. ****

It is of utmost importance to rise against divisive forces that propagate
and promote religious and political extremism, arms race, ethnocide and
racism. The hierarchical social and political structures must be demolished
to foster the era of freedom, peace, gender equality, social inclusion and
justice, which are the ultimate guarantees for sustainable democracy.
02 July 2011
Kathmandu, Nepal

Malaysia: More than 1500 arrested, Brutal Crackdown on Bersih 2.0 Rally Condemned

People's Uprising in every corner being suppressed. We received this alarming message from Malaysia. I would like to add this to my blog as this gives a message of the serious Human Rights violations in Malaysia.

Herman Kumara



The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development strongly condemns the brutal crackdown today on the peaceful rally of Bersih 2.0, a coalition of 62 civil society organizations that is campaigning for electoral reform in Malaysia. More than 1,500 have been arrested, including 16 minors. Among those detained are Maria Chin Abdullah, committee member of Bersih 2.0 and a well-known women’s rights activist and several members of parliament from various opposition parties, namely Tian Chua, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Fuziah Salleh of the People’s Justice Party (PKR), Mohamad Sabu, Mahfuz Omar and Salahuddin Ayub of the Pan Islamic Party (PAS).

Thousands turned up in the rally of Bersih 2.0 in Kuala Lumpur today despite the pre-rally harassment, intimidation and arrest launched by the police in the past two weeks against the leaders and members of Bersih 2.0. Tear gas, baton and water canon laced with chemicals were used widely and indiscriminately against the peaceful protestors.
We are also extremely alarmed that there have been reports that alleged police violent conducts on the protestors. It is reported that tear gas canisters were fired directly into the crowd and injured many. One of the members of parliament, Khalid Samad, was reportedly hit by tear gas canister at the back of his head. Protestors were kicked and manhandled during the arrest process. Among the injured including Anwar Ibrahim, the parliamentary opposition leader, who suffered injury on his head and knees. Such police brutality must not be condoned. We demand the police officers that committed such abuse of powers be investigated and brought to justice.

The call of Bersih 2.0 to reform the electoral system is a legitimate demand. Bersih 2.0 has also sought dialogue with the Election Commission on their recommendations of electoral reform. As the Election Commission refused to improve the electoral system to ensure free and fair election, it is perfectly legitimate for Bersih 2.0 to exercise the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly to highlight the flaws in the electoral system and the demands for electoral reform.

The right of the Malaysian citizen to political participation can only be ensured through a free and fair election. A democratic society would also respect and protect the right to participate in any peaceful assembly, such as the one called by Bersih 2.0. The refusal of the Malaysian government to address the issue through dialogue, the reversal of decision of allowing the Bersih 2.0 to hold the rally in a stadium and the crackdown on the rally today only goes to show that the Malaysian government had no intention at all to allow any democratic challenge to its powers. Instead, the police force is abused to maintain its power.

We demand the Malaysian government to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to political participation. We urge the Malaysian government to release all detainees immediately and unconditionally, especially the 16 minors. For those still in detention, we call on the government to ensure the physical and mental integrity of the protestors while in police custody and allow for immediate and unconstraint access to lawyers, family and medical treatment for all detainees.

For inquiry, please contact:

Yap Swee Seng, Executive Director, mobile: +66 81 8689178

Plight of the displaced People at Mullikulam, Mannar.

Field Visit at Northern Province at Kilinochchi and Mannar
Dates: 2nd -4th February 2011,
Objective: To learn & better understanding about the present situation of the northern people, specifically for the IDPs, their resettlements to work in the future for their rights.
Specific Objectives:
• Identification of villages to work in the future,
• Identify field activists to work in the Northern province,
• Meet the IDP people of Mullikulam, Mannar and to learn their present situation, identify possible collaborative actions in the future,
Team :
 Priyankara Costa > Pradeep Wanigasuriya,
 Francis Raajan > Antony Hesudasan
Jayapuram Village on 2nd February
First of all we visited at Jayapuram village at Kilinochchi district. The access to the village is around 30Km, though we had to travel in a different road around 60 Km due to rainy weather and the difficulties of the road.
We were able to see the destruction of the war while we were travelling to the Jayapuram village. The houses, properties and buildings were totally destroyed. The people who were resettled in the area are living in the temporary shelters covered with 12 tin sheets provided by the UNHCR. With much difficulties, we were reached to Jayapuram village and met the officers of the Punagari fisheries coop federation leadership. The federation leaders explained the present post war conditions and how difficult for them to restart their activities to live as humans. There are around 80% people are resettled in their original villages. But, all of them are living in temporary shelters as they lost their houses. The other 20% are still living in Settikulam displaced camp. However, some people who migrated to India have not returned yet. Also, some of the families are living in Jaffna with their relatives. They haven’t come back to their original villages due to fear for the military and the military bases situated there.
Fisheries and agriculture are the main sources of livelihood though there in no satisfactory program to support them. Although, there are 2000 fisher families living in the village, only 300 families have received some fishing gears for revive their livelihoods. Some minor assistance have been provided for the agriculture programs too. Unemployment is a serious issue in the area and economic difficulties are a common among almost all the families in the village. Women headed families are the most vulnerable, economically, socially and security reasons. Among the women who lost their husband 90% are belong to 18-25 age group.
The Punagari fisheries federation is very much alert on the issues related to bottom trawling. They say, the situation became more serious when the Jaffna and Mannar trawlers are also conduct bottom trawling fishing in their territory. However, the leaders say the difficulty to bring the people together, educate them for their rights, rebuilding their livelihoods, and voice out for the life. Also the fisher leaders emphasized to get the permission from the administration, military for implement any type of work in the area. Working through the fishers federation would be the most appropriate way to reach the people in the area and the leaders are ready to support any activity which is helpful to rebuild the community and their livelihoods.
However, as we observed there is no restrictions to travel in the area. But, when we are implement any development work, there will be restrictions and need the permission from military. As we want to work for the rights of the people, our education and lobby activities will be in danger due to the government imposed rules and regulations in the previous war tone areas. However, amidst all these practical issues, we had selected Mr. Karupaiya Prabakaran for launch the programs in selected villages in Kilinochchi district.

Velkaipetrankandal & Thalvupadu Villages at Mannar
The IDPs who displaced from Mullikulam are living in Velkaipetrankandal and Thalvupadu villages since 2007 till today. The senior security officials have informed that they won’t be back o their village due to security reasons. We were able to meet these people in several occasions and were able to highlight the issues they face in various media and forums. People strongly stick to the idea to get back to their original village and the land they own. However, gradually they have changed their views due to the officials had informed them they will not resettle in their original village which is Mullikulam. Officials have informed that they would get the land from Kayakali area and temporary shelters will also be constructed. So, it was revealed that there were a petition signed by 107 people with their consent to go to the new place of Kayakali. But, it was also a doubtful as some people who live at Thalvupadu says those signatures are not real ones and some how people have signed for them. The reservation because of that the area of Kayakali, it is only fishing only could be carried out. There is a big question of the people who are living in agriculture activities. So, the refused to go to Kayakali. But, government says this is the only land they could provide them for resettlement.
However, the people who agreed to go to Kayakali also say that they will fight for the original lands at Mullikulam. But, there is no practicality for this as government is retaining the land at Mullikulam for army base.
At the same time, Bishop of Mannar is taking another step to resettle those displaced people living at Thalvupadu in his own land at Karavankottai. This is also problematic as government can say that they have completed the resettlement and there is no any displace people to resettle. The people with diverse opinion on their resettlement is an advantage to the government as they can easily divide the people and pressurize them for implement the government plan to retain land at Mullikulam.
Our plan was to unite people to come to a common consensus. Advised the people in two villages to come to common understanding and decide what they are going to do as one united body. For do that, we advised to our field activists to facilitate the unionization of the people and come to agreement among them. Finally, the Thalvupadu people agreed to bring all the displaced people from Mullikulam together and get the views of all the people.
Anthony Jesudasan
15.02.2011