Muththunagar farmers demand return of their agrarian lands given for solar farms

Muththunagar farmers staged a protest today demanding return of their agrarian lands that were distributed for renewable energy projects. 

Over hundred individuals from 350 farming families in Muththunagar village of Trincomalee demanded government to return their agrarian land which were given to set up solar farms under renewable energy projects in the region. 

The farmers from Muththunagar, Tagaravettavon and Maththiyaveli claimed that they have been engaged in farming activities since 1972 cultivat8ng paddy, corn and other vegetable crops in 800 acre land region. However, the farmers alleged attempts were made to force them to give up farming since 2023 by government authorities.

Following a court directive issued in February this year , farmers were not allowed to engaged in cultivation with the Sri Lanka Port Authority claiming ownership to the land. 

Thereafter, 200 acres land were released for renewable energy projects undertaken by Indian companies in the region at the expenses of the farmers’ livelihood, alleged farmers. 

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with the protesting farmers today and assured to look into the issue for amicable solution. (Northeastern Monitor/ September 18/2025)