Gampaha, Sri Lanka – July 29, 2025 – The Movement for Land Rights, in collaboration with Shramabhimani Kendraya, convened a significant meeting on July 28, 2025, at the Shramabhimani Centre. The gathering brought together community representatives from Wattala, Ja-Ela, Katana, and Negombo with key government and political stakeholders, including Mr. Wijith Rohan, Chairman of the Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, and Ms. Saduni, Director of the Commission, alongside representatives from the Gampaha District Coordinating Committee of the National People’s Power.
The meeting served as a powerful platform for families and individuals—many of whom have been advocating for their housing and land rights for over four decades—to voice their struggles directly to decision-makers. Community members articulated their longstanding demands for secure land tenure and urged immediate governmental intervention to deliver a permanent, concrete solution to this deeply rooted issue.
“For 40 years, we have waited, protested, and hoped. Today, we look to our leaders not for promises, but for action,” stated a representative from the Wattala community. “Land is not just property—it is our dignity, our heritage, and our future.”
Mr. Wijith Rohan acknowledged the historical urgency of the matter, emphasizing the need for “structured dialogue and tangible outcomes,” while Ms. Saduni reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to facilitating peaceful and just resolutions.
The meeting marks a critical step in Shramabhimani Kendraya’s ongoing efforts to bridge grassroots advocacy with institutional action, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for social justice and equitable development.