A planned visit by MP Gajendra Kumar Ponnambalam, Diyulapothana village in Dimbulagala faced opposition as protesters blocked the Walamandiya Bridge leading to the village.
Upon the MP’s scheduled visit, demonstrators gathered to stage a protest, causing disruptions at the bridge. Among the protesters were villagers, including Mangalaradhipathi Amptiye Sumanarathna Thero and Polgaha Arawe Gnananda Thero. Security was provided by the Karadiya Naru Police.
The villagers expressed accusations against the politician, claiming that he was attempting to incite racism and calling for a ban on his visit. Allegations were made that the MP was involved in actions against the local villagers, particularly related to land issues and cultivation.
The dispute revolves around land claims, with villagers from Dimbulagala asserting that they have been cultivating the land for an extended period. They argue that after the end of the war, families from various provinces returned to the Eastern Province and sought the release of over 1,800 families’ land in 2009.
Tensions have escalated, leading to protests and accusations against the parliamentarian.
