Shifting demography of Mullaitivu district:

Symbol of a new beginning

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

Nothing of the gloomy past remains anymore in any part of Mullaitivu. The shifting demography of the Mullaitivu district is a symbol of a new beginning. Political sentiments are also being expressed by the people. “People are more concerned about how fast the roads will develop and how soon schools will be renovated and students will be facilitated with all the opportunities and that schools will provide suitable accommodation because there was a time when children had to study under tress as most of the buildings were destroyed during the LTTE terror period. When proper infrastructure is provided people are encouraged to work more and give of their best” said Tharunalingam Nawaneethan, Mullaitivu Coordinator for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Speaking to the Sunday Observer, Nawaneethan, who is now in active politics for four years said that the youth in Mullaitivu join officials to work for the betterment of society.

Following are the excerpts of the interview.

Q : How does the SLFP organization work at ground level?

A: We go to the villages and meet people. We discuss their problems and inform the relevant authorities about the needs of the people. If we can solve the problems at party level we do so but we need to inform officials about problems that need the government mechanism to bring about a solution.

Q: Mullaitivu is developed compared to a few years ago. Security, displacement are not the key problems which people face. As a people’s representative how do you see the current situation?

A: People want to forget the past and continue with their day-today lives.

People are more concerned about how fast the roads get developed and how soon schools will be renovated.

When proper infrastructure is provided people are encouraged to work more.

Q: What made you take to full time politics?

A: Professionally I am a businessman. When the people of Mullaitivu were displaced and were living in the Cheddikulam Welfare Centres in Vavuniya, I was a resettlement officer and was a Grama Niladhari on a temporary basis. So I was always with the people and had many opportunities to help people.

When I returned and resettled in Mullaitivu I had a burning desire to serve the people. The Government started numerous development projects in Mullaitivu. I thought by supporting the Government I could be of immense assistance to the people and it would facilitate my desire to help them.

I’m working hard to pursue in politics and fulfil my political ambitions. My determination is to one day represent the people of Mullaitivu in Parliament. There are enough Ministers and MPs, from the Government and the Opposition, to assist the Muslim communities in these areas but there is a minuscule representation as far as the Tamil people of Mullaitivu are concerned in Parliament from the Government side. Thus, I hope to fill that vacuum

Q: During the resettling process there were many land disputes between the people. Lands were taken over by outsiders and original owners had a problem reclaiming. What is the situation now?

A: This mainly happened in abandoned lands. Over the years during LTTE control, when some of the displaced people arrived in at Mullaitivu they cleared abandoned lands and built temporary shelters which during the course of time turn into permanent homes. There were several such cases. With the victory over terrorism and the return of peace after May 2009 original Mullativu residents who have been living in other parts of the country began returning with their title deeds.

Then the problems with land ownership arose. Then the Divisional Secretary got involved and solved the problem. Now such problems hardly exist.

Q: What is the response of the youth towards politics?

A: A significant faction of the youth population is supportive of political movements. They are not grouped as political parties but as sports clubs and welfare societies.

We help them to develop their sports skills, to organise tournaments and such activities.

They join and help us for any work that is for the betterment of society.