A large-scale racket involving the illegal reclamation and sale of ancient reservoirs and paddy lands surrounding the sacred city of Anuradhapura has come to light, according to National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon as reported by the Daily Mirror.
Tennakoon revealed that several historic reservoirs and paddy fields belonging to the Atamasthana, including Basawakkulama, Pahala Katukeliyawa, and Thisawewa, are facing imminent threat due to unauthorized reclamation and commercial sales.
“Plans are underway to reclaim even tanks that are over a thousand years old,” Tennakoon told the Daily Mirror. “A powerful racket is selling these paddy lands, originally sustained by the ancient irrigation system, without cultivation. Senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Irrigation Department, and even some leaders of farmers’ organizations are reportedly involved.”
Tennakoon said that reclaimed paddy lands are being sold at inflated prices ranging from Rs. 70 to 80 million per acre, far exceeding their prescribed value.
He added that a growing number of expatriates and Colombo-based buyers are purchasing these lands, often for tourism ventures and undisclosed private projects.
The construction of hotels, houses, and restaurants by influential individuals, including senior government and security forces officers near tank reserves is also contributing to environmental degradation around these ancient reservoirs.
Tennakoon lamented that even the chief monks of the Atamasthana have been unable to stop the destruction, despite repeated appeals.
He further claimed that although numerous complaints have been filed with the Anuradhapura Police and other authorities, no decisive action has yet been taken to halt the illegal activities.
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