The phenomenon of state-assisted land grabbing: Institutionalized Racial Discrimination and Ethno-Religious Land Appropriation in Eastern Sri Lanka
State-Assisted Land Grab in Eastern Province: Structured Summary and Key Insights
Introduction
The phenomenon of state-assisted land grabbing hasbecome
a focal point in contemporary debates on land rights, ethnic relations,and
post-conflict development, particularly in regions marked by
historicalcontestation and demographic diversity. The YouTube video titled "Stateassisted
Land Grab in Eastern province" (
https://youtu.be/WdXKUccx-QI?si='Uuifn0i3gA1cQOEG )investigates this issue in
Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, a region with acomplex tapestry of ethnic,
religious, and historical claims. The video specifically highlights a meeting
held in Batticaloa, where human rights activists and community leaders gathered
to address the systematic seizure of land in the Eastern Province. During this
meeting, participants announced the creation of the "Eastern Province Land
Rights Recovery Network," a provincial-level coalition dedicated to
documenting these land grabs and mounting legal challenges against
state-assisted appropriations. This structured summary distills the main
arguments, evidence, and policy implications presented in the video, while
situating them within broader legal, historical, and international contexts.
The analysis draws on the video’s content, supporting academic literature, and
cross-referenced independent reports to provide a comprehensive understanding
of the issue.
Main Arguments and Thesis
·
Systematic
State Involvement: The video argues that the Sri Lankan state, through
various government agencies, military forces, and legal instruments, is
systematically facilitating the appropriation of land in the Eastern Province.
This process disproportionately targets Tamil and Muslim communities, often
under the pretexts of development, conservation, or archaeological preservation12.
·
Demographic
Engineering: The land grabs are framed as part of a broader strategy to
alter the demographic composition of the Eastern Province, favouring Sinhalese
settlements and consolidating state control over historically contested
territories13.
·
Continuation
of Historical Patterns: The video situates current land grabs within a
continuum of state-sponsored colonization and displacement, referencing
colonial-era land policies and post-independence development schemes that have
marginalized minority land rights43.
Evidence Presented
·
Interviews
and Testimonies: The video features interviews with local residents,
community leaders, and activists who recount being denied access to ancestral
lands, evicted without due process, or excluded from consultation regarding
land use changes12.
·
Visual
Documentation: Footage includes images of military camps, Buddhist shrines,
and newly constructed settlements on lands previously used by Tamil and Muslim
communities. Fencing and signage by the Forest Department and Department of
Archaeology are shown as evidence of state acquisition12.
·
Legal and
Historical Documents: The video references historical land claims (e.g.,
sannasa inscriptions), gazette notifications, and court orders to illustrate
the legal mechanisms used to legitimize land transfers and restrict minority
access43.
·
Maps and
Satellite Imagery: Maps and satellite images are used to demonstrate the
expansion of military zones, forest reserves, and settlements, often
overlapping with traditional lands of minority communities12.
Roles of State Actors
·
Sri
Lankan Military: Accused of occupying large tracts of land, establishing
camps, and supporting Sinhalese settlements. The military’s presence is often
justified on grounds of national security or development but results in the
exclusion of displaced populations12.
·
Department
of Forest Conservation: Allegedly reclassifies land as forest reserves,
thereby restricting access for traditional users and facilitating state control12.
·
Department
of Archaeology: Designates areas as archaeological sites, often without
transparent surveys or community consultation, to justify land seizures and
prevent resettlement of minorities12.
·
Urban
Development Authority and Government Officials: Involved in declaring
sacred sites, facilitating land transfers, and overseeing development projects
that often exclude or marginalize minority communities43.
·
Police
and Judiciary: The police are reported to enforce land seizures and
suppress protests, while the judiciary’s interventions (e.g., Supreme Court
orders) have sometimes halted or legitimized contentious projects43.
Affected Communities and Stakeholders
·
Tamil and
Muslim Residents: The primary victims of land grabs, these communities face
displacement, loss of livelihoods, and restricted access to religious and
cultural sites. Their historical presence and customary land rights are often
disregarded in state-led projects432.
·
Farmers
and Fisherfolk: Loss of agricultural and fishing grounds undermines food
security and economic stability for local populations432.
·
Religious
Minorities: Hindu temples, mosques, and cemeteries are reported to be
encroached upon or replaced by Buddhist shrines and monuments, reflecting a
broader pattern of cultural erasure12.
·
Sinhalese
Settlers: Brought in under state-aided colonization programs, often
receiving preferential treatment and access to newly acquired lands43.
·
Buddhist
Monks and Nationalist Groups: Advocate for exclusive Buddhist control over
sacred sites and oppose minority resettlement, influencing state policy and
public sentiment41.
Legal and Historical Context
·
Colonial
and Post-Colonial Land Policies: The Waste Lands Ordinance of 1840 and
subsequent colonial laws enabled the declaration of crown lands, often
disregarding indigenous and customary land rights. Post-independence
colonization schemes (e.g., Gal Oya Project) further entrenched state control
and facilitated demographic engineering43.
·
Gazette
Notifications and Court Orders: Legal instruments such as the 1973 gazette
notification transferring land to the Deegavapi temple, and Supreme Court
rulings on housing projects, illustrate the use of state power to reallocate
land and restrict minority access4.
·
Lack of
Formal Land Titles: Many affected communities lack formal land titles due
to historical displacement, conflict, and administrative barriers, making them
vulnerable to expropriation and exclusion from legal remedies43.
·
International
Human Rights Norms: The video and supporting literature reference
violations of constitutional rights and international norms, including the
right to property, cultural preservation, and non-discrimination2.
Historical Context
·
State-Sponsored
Colonization: Post-independence programs favoured Sinhalese settlers and
marginalized minorities, often under the guise of development or national
security. The identification of sites like Deegavapi as exclusive Sinhala
Buddhist heritage is part of a broader narrative of ethnic entitlement and
historical revisionism4.
·
Conflict
and Displacement: Civil war, LTTE attacks, and subsequent military
operations led to the depopulation of minority villages and further complicated
land claims. Post-war reconstruction efforts have sometimes exacerbated
tensions by privileging certain groups over others43.
Narrative Framing and Rhetorical Techniques
·
Emotive
Storytelling: The video employs personal testimonies, visual evidence, and
historical references to evoke empathy and highlight the human impact of land
grabs12.
·
Framing
as Deliberate Policy: The issue is presented as a calculated state strategy
aimed at altering the demographic and cultural landscape of the Eastern
Province, rather than as an unintended consequence of development12.
·
Use of
Sacred Heritage: The invocation of Buddhist heritage and sacred sites is
used to legitimize land claims and exclude minorities, while nationalist media
campaigns portray minority politicians as encroachers or threats to national
identity 4.
Credibility and Potential Biases
·
Advocacy
Perspective: The video appears to be produced by Tamil advocacy groups and
human rights activists, which may influence the framing towards highlighting
minority grievances and state culpability12.
·
Anecdotal
Evidence: While the testimonies and visual documentation are compelling,
the reliance on anecdotal evidence and limited representation of government or
opposing viewpoints may affect the perceived objectivity of the narrative12.
·
Cross-Referencing:
Independent academic studies and NGO reports corroborate many of the claims
made in the video, lending credibility to the core arguments despite potential
biases432.
International or NGO Involvement
·
Appeals
to International Bodies: The video and supporting sources mention appeals
to the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and NGOs for
intervention and monitoring of land rights violations12.
·
NGO
Documentation: Reports by organizations such as the International Work
Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) and Global Witness document similar
patterns of land dispossession, forced displacement, and environmental harm in
Sri Lanka and other contexts 5.
·
Humanitarian
Projects: International donors and NGOs have supported post-tsunami
reconstruction and resettlement, though these efforts have sometimes been
criticized for lacking conflict sensitivity and inadvertently contributing to
ethnic tensions6.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
·
Loss of
Livelihoods: Displacement from agricultural and fishing lands undermines
food security, income, and community cohesion for affected populations432.
·
Unutilized
Development Projects: Projects such as the Norochchole Housing Project,
built for tsunami-affected Muslims with international funding, remain
unutilized due to legal and political obstacles, representing wasted resources
and unmet needs 6.
·
Environmental
Degradation: Deforestation, land clearing for settlements, and unregulated
development contribute to ecological harm, flooding, and loss of biodiversity.
Contradictions arise when state claims of conservation are used to justify land
grabs while simultaneously enabling environmentally destructive activities12.
Calls to Action and Policy Implications
·
Legal
Reforms: The video advocates for legal reforms to recognize customary land
rights, prevent arbitrary land acquisitions, and ensure equitable development
that respects the rights of all ethnic and religious groups12.
·
International
Monitoring: Urges international human rights organizations and the United
Nations to investigate, monitor, and intervene in cases of land rights
violations and forced displacement12.
·
Restitution
and Compensation: Calls for the return of occupied lands to rightful
owners, restitution for displaced communities, and compensation for lost
livelihoods and cultural heritage12.
·
Transparent
Land Governance: Emphasizes the need for transparent, inclusive, and
conflict-sensitive land administration, with meaningful consultation and
participation of affected communities12.
·
Conflict-Sensitive
Development: Recommends that development and resettlement policies be
designed with sensitivity to historical land use, multi-ethnic coexistence, and
the potential for exacerbating tensions4.
SOURCE: This video highlights a meeting held in Batticaloa by human rights activists and community leaders to address the systematic seizure of land in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. The participants announced the formation of a provincial-level network, the "Eastern Province Land Rights Recovery Network," to document and legally challenge these land grabs.
\
Recommendations for Further Research or Monitoring
·
Independent
Land Audits: Conduct comprehensive land audits and mapping of disputed
areas to clarify ownership, usage, and patterns of acquisition12.
·
Legal
Analysis: Examine the application and impact of legal instruments such as
the Forest Ordinance, Antiquities Ordinance, and gazette notifications in
facilitating or contesting land grabs43.
·
Socio-Economic
Impact Studies: Undertake field studies on the socio-economic consequences
of land loss, displacement, and resettlement for minority communities43.
·
Monitoring
of State Projects: Track the implementation and outcomes of state-led
development, conservation, and archaeological projects in conflict-affected
areas to assess their impact on local populations43.
·
International
Engagement: Encourage ongoing engagement by international observers, NGOs,
and human rights bodies to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice for
affected communities632.
Cross-Referenced Insights and Broader Context
Legal and Human Rights Frameworks
·
International
Law: Land grabbing is widely recognized as a violation of human rights when
it occurs without free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), adequate
compensation, or transparent procedures78.
·
Customary
and Indigenous Rights: International instruments such as the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ILO Convention 169
affirm the rights of indigenous and minority communities to land, resources,
and cultural preservation9.
·
Colonial
Legacies: The persistence of colonial-era land policies and the
formalization of land tenure systems continue to marginalize vulnerable
populations and facilitate dispossession10.
Economic and Environmental Dimensions
·
Accumulation
by Dispossession: Land grabbing often results in the centralization of
wealth and power, exacerbating inequalities and undermining traditional
livelihoods11.
·
Environmental
Justice: The intersection of land rights and environmental protection is
critical, as indigenous and local communities are often the most effective
stewards of biodiversity and ecological resilience5.
Political and Social Dynamics
·
Narrative
Framing: The use of sacred heritage, nationalist rhetoric, and legal
justifications serves to legitimize land grabs and suppress dissent, while
advocacy groups employ emotive storytelling and historical references to
mobilize support112.
·
Resistance
and Advocacy: Grassroots movements, legal challenges, and international
advocacy play vital roles in contesting land grabs and promoting alternative
models of land governance811.
Table: Summary of Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
|
Stakeholder Group |
Role in Land Grab
Process |
Impacted
Communities/Interests |
|
Sri Lankan
Military |
Occupation,
settlement support, security justification |
Tamil and
Muslim residents, farmers |
|
Department
of Forest Conservation |
Reclassification
of land, restriction of access |
Traditional
users, minority communities |
|
Department
of Archaeology |
Designation
of archaeological sites, land seizure justification |
Religious
minorities, cultural institutions |
|
Urban
Development Authority |
Declaration
of sacred sites, development project oversight |
Displaced
populations, local residents |
|
Police and
Judiciary |
Enforcement
of seizures, suppression of protests, legal rulings |
Protesters,
affected communities |
|
Sinhalese
Settlers |
Beneficiaries
of colonization programs preferential access |
Minority
landholders, original inhabitants |
|
Buddhist
Monks/Nationalist Groups |
Advocacy
for exclusive control, influence on policy |
Multi-ethnic
coexistence, minority rights |
|
International
NGOs/UN |
Monitoring,
documentation, advocacy |
Displaced
and marginalized communities |
|
Local
Farmers/Fisherfolk |
Loss of
livelihoods, displacement |
Food
security, economic stability |
Conclusion
The "State-assisted Land Grab in Eastern Province" video provides a compelling
account of how state actors, legal frameworks, and nationalist narratives
converge to facilitate the appropriation of land from minority communities in
Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. The evidence presented, ranging from personal
testimonies and visual documentation to historical and legal
analysis, highlights the multifaceted impacts of land grabbing on livelihoods,
cultural heritage, and social cohesion. While the video’s advocacy perspective
may shape its framing, independent academic and NGO reports corroborate the
core claims, underscoring the urgency of legal reform, international
monitoring, and inclusive, conflict-sensitive development.
The case of Eastern Province is emblematic of broader global
trends in land governance, where historical injustices, weak legal protections,
and political agendas intersect to perpetuate dispossession and inequality.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that recognizes
customary rights, ensures meaningful participation, and prioritizes justice and
sustainability for all stakeholders.
Key Points Summary (Bullet Points)
Main Arguments and Thesis
·
The Sri Lankan state is systematically
facilitating land grabs in the Eastern Province, targeting Tamil and Muslim
communities.
·
Land grabs are framed as development,
conservation, or archaeological projects but serve to alter the region’s
demographic composition.
·
The process continues historical patterns of
state-sponsored colonization and displacement.
Evidence Presented
·
Interviews and testimonies from affected
residents and activists.
·
Visual documentation of military camps, Buddhist
shrines, and settlements on minority lands.
·
Legal and historical documents (e.g., gazette
notifications, court orders).
·
Maps and satellite imagery showing land use
changes.
Roles of State Actors
·
Military: Occupies land, supports settlements,
restricts minority access.
·
Forest Department: Reclassifies land as
reserves, limits traditional use.
·
Archaeology Department: Declares archaeological
sites, justifies seizures.
·
Urban Development Authority: Declares sacred
sites, oversees projects.
·
Police/Judiciary: Enforces seizures, suppresses
protests, issues rulings.
Affected Communities and Stakeholders
·
Tamil and Muslim residents: Displacement, loss
of livelihoods, restricted access.
·
Farmers/fisherfolk: Loss of agricultural and
fishing grounds.
·
Religious minorities: Encroachment on temples,
mosques, cemeteries.
·
Sinhalese settlers: Preferential access to newly
acquired lands.
·
Buddhist monks/nationalists: Advocacy for
exclusive control.
Legal and Historical Context
·
Colonial and post-colonial land policies enabled
state control and dispossession.
·
Legal instruments (gazette notifications, court
orders) used to legitimize transfers.
·
Lack of formal land titles among minorities
increases vulnerability.
·
International norms (UNDRIP, ILO 169) affirm
rights but are often ignored.
Narrative Framing and Rhetorical Techniques
·
Emotive storytelling and visual evidence
highlight human impact.
·
Framing as deliberate state policy for
demographic engineering.
·
Use of sacred heritage and nationalist rhetoric
to legitimize actions.
Credibility and Potential Biases
·
Produced by advocacy groups, emphasizing
minority grievances.
·
Reliance on anecdotal evidence, limited
government perspective.
·
Independent reports corroborate core claims.
International or NGO Involvement
·
Appeals to UN and international human rights
organizations.
·
NGO reports document similar patterns of
dispossession.
·
Humanitarian projects sometimes lack conflict
sensitivity.
Economic and Environmental Impacts
·
Loss of livelihoods, food security, and
community cohesion.
·
Unutilized development projects due to
legal/political obstacles.
·
Environmental degradation from deforestation and
unregulated development.
Calls to Action and Policy Implications
·
Legal reforms to recognize customary rights and
prevent arbitrary acquisitions.
·
International monitoring and intervention in
land rights violations.
·
Restitution and compensation for displaced
communities.
·
Transparent, inclusive, and conflict-sensitive
land governance.
Recommendations for Further Research or Monitoring
·
Independent land audits and mapping of disputed
areas.
·
Legal analysis of land acquisition procedures.
·
Socio-economic impact studies on affected
communities.
·
Monitoring of state projects and international
engagement.
This structured summary synthesizes the video’s content and
supporting research, offering a comprehensive overview of state-assisted land
grabbing in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province and its broader implications for land
rights, social justice, and sustainable development.
References (14)
1. TERRA ECONOMICUS:
RHETORICAL STRATEGIES OF LEGITIMATION IN LAND GRABBING. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ajnesh-Prasad/publication/386750857_Terra_Economicus_Rhetorical_Strategies_of_Legitimation_in_Land_Grabbing/links/67d91c3878221c759f4b08da/Terra-Economicus-Rhetorical-Strategies-of-Legitimation-in-Land-Grabbing.pdf
2. The importance of
land for Indigenous economic development ... - OECD. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/linking-indigenous-communities-with-regional-development-in-canada_fa0f60c6-en/full-report/the-importance-of-land-for-indigenous-economic-development_d407d4e9.html
3. Performance or
Progress? The Physical and Rhetorical Removal of .... https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.3102/00028312221141981?download=true
4. TENURE TRANSITION
AND LAND GRABBING: A CASE STUDY AT THE ALLEI .... https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lal-Dharmasiri/publication/248392997_TENURE_TRANSITION_AND_LAND_GRABBING_A_CASE_STUDY_AT_THE_ALLEI_COLONIZATION_SCHEME_IN_THE_EASTERN_PROVINCE_SRI_LANKA/links/5f8c3bc492851c14bccf7e70/TENURE-TRANSITION-AND-LAND-GRABBING-A-CASE-STUDY-AT-THE-ALLEI-COLONIZATION-SCHEME-IN-THE-EASTERN-PROVINCE-SRI-LANKA.pdf
6. Sacred Sites,
Humanitarian Assistance and the Politics of Land Grabbing .... https://arts.pdn.ac.lk/socio/research/pdf/04KalingTudorSilva.pdf
5. How land grabbing
harms the environment and its defenders. https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/how-land-grabbing-harms-the-environment-and-its-defenders/
7. What Is a Land Grab
and Is It Illegal? - LegalClarity. https://legalclarity.org/what-is-a-land-grab-and-is-it-illegal/
8. Land Grabs and
Forced Evictions - Action 4 Justice. https://action4justice.org/legal_areas/land-rights/land-grabs-and-forced-evictions/
9. Environmental
Degradation and Indigenous Land Rights. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f8d6f09fd48a441cac4a8494be62976d
10. Global Land
Grabbing: A Critical Review of Case Studies across ... - MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/10/3/324
11. ‘Capital grabs
back’: towards a global research agenda on the land .... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03066150.2025.2528863
12. Framing in Political Communication: How Leaders Shape Narratives and .... https://eustochos.com/framing-in-political-communication-how-leaders-shape-narratives-and-win-support/
In solidarity,
Wimal Navaratnam
Human Rights Advocate | ABC Tamil Oli (ECOSOC)
Email: tamilolicanada@gmail.com
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