South and East unite against threats to natural resources
Farmers, fishers, and pastoral communities the Southern and Eastern Provinces came together in a three-day grassroots-level gathering to resist growing threats to their natural resources.
The discussions were held across three locations—Vakarai, Kathiraveli, and Mailattamadu—and brought together more than 60 local planning forums under the Land and Agrarian Reform Movement.
The landmark meeting provided space for communities—often divided by geography, ethnicity, and religion—to identify shared challenges caused by large-scale development projects, land grabs, and environmental degradation.
Representatives from Hambantota highlighted the adverse impacts of solar power parks and land conversions within the managed elephant conservation reserves. Communities displaced by the Nilwala salt barrier, and farmers affected by the floating solar panels on Kiribban and Chakdrika tanks also shared their stories. Tea plantation expansions that have rapidly destroyed rainforests were another major concern voiced.
From the East, villagers affected by the proposed Ilmenite mining project in Kathiraveli, communities impacted by prawn farming developments in Vakarai, and those displaced by the Mahaweli Authority’s encroachment of Mailattamadu grasslands joined the forum. Collectively, they shared testimonies of being pushed to the margins by projects that threaten their traditional lands and livelihoods.
“This was not just a meeting of complaints—it was an act of resistance and reconciliation,” said Sajeewa Chamikara, a prominent environmental activist and key figure behind the event. “For the first time in years, we saw farmers and fishers from different ethnic and religious backgrounds come together, not only to share their struggles but also to exchange seeds of hope—literally and metaphorically.”
Participants from both provinces exchanged traditional seeds of vegetables and grains, a symbolic and practical gesture aimed at reviving local food systems that have been eroded by commercial agriculture. The event also emphasised the importance of recognising shared humanity over imposed divisions.
“The ruling elite—politicians, corporate actors, and developers—benefit by keeping people divided along ethnic or religious lines. But this meeting showed that such divisions are artificial. When people come together around real issues like land, water, and food, there is no room for racism or extremism,” Chamikara said.
The final day of the gathering concluded with renewed commitment to build a united front for future collective struggles—an alliance beyond language, religion, or region. “This was a convergence of solidarity,” Chamikara emphasised. “It was the beginning of a dream where people will never again be divided. And the only way that dream can come true is if we continue to stand together.”
By Ifham Nizam