Mervyn used force to take over land’

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The Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation Workers Union (SLRDCWU) charged yesterday that Minister Mervyn Silva had allegedly used force and taken over land that belonged to SLRDC workers in Wedamulla, Kelaniya area.

SLRDCWU President W.R.A. Priyankara said 21 blocks of land, each comprising 2.29 perches has been taken by the Minister and his supporters who had bulldozed the land and had put up a plantation cultivation.

“The security officers who were recruited to protect the land were also threatened and was sent off by the supporters of the Minister,” he said.

“The blocks of land were given to the workers during the former chairman of the corporation, Mr. Somaweera Chandrasiri. The workers were not given any deeds but were only provided with handing over letters,” he said adding that Rs. 75,000 was allocated for the landowners with the promise of the ownership of the lands later on.

He said although the land owners surveyed the land, they did not build any houses as they were told to wait a few weeks until permission has been granted from the Corporation to hand over the deeds which would prove them the rightful ownership.

“We urge the President to take immediate action regarding this injustice caused to the workers of the corporation,” he added.