Iranaitheevu

Iranaitheevu Challenges Three Years After Resettlement

On April 23, 2018, Iranaitheevu residents re-claimed their land, which had been denied to them for more than 25 years by the Navy. The withholding of basic infrastructure development by both the former and current government have left residents displaced.

Here is a glimpse of the prevailing situation during a brief visit to the island on March 9.

The historical Catholic church is central to community life

Yet there is no proper residence for the Priest

The Holy Family Convent where the nuns resided is now in ruins

Government offices and other community buildings have collapsed

The school has not been rebuilt and the residencies for the principal and teachers are in ruins

There has been no support to re-build houses

The elaborate rainwater collecting and underground water storage system has not been repaired

There is no passenger ferry service between the island and mainland. The jetty used when people arrive and leave the island is not repaired.

Now, visits to the island by the media and others have been arbitrarily restricted by the Navy.

All images courtesy of Ruki Fernando.

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