Government’s apathy in laying road passing via Prabhkaran’s home
The official website of President AKD on its face page says “Let’s Commence a New Renaissance” and adds “Leading with integrity, Building our nation together” But, even after the brutal civil war was brought to a bloody end with the death of thousands of Tamils and destruction of properties, the revengeful mindset of the government in Colombo continues, allege Tamils of Valvettiturai (VVT), the birth of place of Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Now, the war-affected Tamils of that area are struggling to get their road repaired and have now staged a demonstration seeking a proper road in that area.
Tamils accuse successive governments of intentionally denying relaying that road for the simple reason that the demolished house of Prabhakaran is on that road stretch.
It is 15 years since the war ended, but the main road passing through Valvettithurai is yet to see the light locals say, pointing out its condition, which has worsened after the recent heavy rains.
While pointing out how other roads in the Northern Province are laid well and carpeted properly to ensure smooth riding the one particular road, where the former house of the late LTTE leader stood, has not been laid for many years even after constant demand and appeal by the locals.
Locals who participated in a protest cum day-long fast demanding proper road allege, the action of all the governments have been ‘vindictive in nature’ just for the simple reason, his house was there earlier. The protest and fast was held in front of the Valvettithurai Urban Council.
Former Chairman of the VVT Urban Council Ramachandran Suren told local journalists every successive government has intentionally ignored laying that road.
“Past governments were saying continuously this road would be repaired the following year and the following year and the false promises were repeated every time we seek it. The fact is this particular road is not being repaired intentionally. It is because this is where our leader was born and his demolished house was here. The only AB grade road in the country which is not being repaired is only this I suppose. This road neglected by the past governments should be relaid now by this government”.
Tamils in the war-affected area say that although the main road from Ponnalai to Point Pedro has not been repaired and relaid, the government should at least relay the 12 km road between Thondamanaru and Point Pedro. They have formally requested this from the authorities.
Local residents say over 90% of the roads in the north have been refurbished after three decades of war came to an end. However, they point out that many sick patients have lost their lives since they could be taken to the hospital quickly and at the right time due to the reason this particular road is not relaid and is unfit for travel.
They raised slogans demanding to relay the road during their protest and fast.
“We need our road. Are racist governments ignoring this road because it is our leader’s native place? The new government should immediately relay our road. People lose their lives when we are unable to take them to the hospital for treatment”.
A petition was also handed over to the VVT Urban Council authorities duly signed by those who participated in the protest.
Tamils question the implementation of the ruling NPP’s election manifesto which speaks about “A compassionate society” and their promise of “A fair and equitable approach”.
Those participating in the protest say, the NPP MPs elected from the North should take this particular road issue as a priority with the President and lay a carpet road at the earliest, thus fulfilling their election promise.
Protesters who participated in the demonstration question why no government has come forward to honestly answer, “why this particular road alone is being ignored?” and want the government to treat all citizens equally and fulfill their requirements in an unbiased way.
The officials are yet to respond to the demand and the petition submitted to them after the protest and fast.
