YOUTH WHO OPPOSED DAMBULLA LAND GRAB COMES UNDER ATTACK

The youth who attempted to protect the village tank system from dangers of the tourism industry is subject to an attack

- By Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka

Dambulla has become a hotbed for illegal activities, especially for grabbing land in the most shocking manner. Wasantha Kumara Herath's (Wasantha Kumara) right hand was severely injured in a brutal, Chicago-style attack in broad daylight on the afternoon of July 30 on the road adjacent Thimbiriatthawala Wewa in Kumbukkandanwala, Sigiriya. Although more than 20 days have passed since the incident, there has been no progress in identifying the suspects or gathering key evidence. This raises concerns that Wasantha Kumara's case, too, may end up being left unsolved and forgotten over time. Wasantha Kumara is the convener of Kumbukkandanwala Village Protection Front. He is a young man from the oldest lineage in the village, known as 'Naidehami.' He has attempted to protect the village's tank system from damage caused by the tourism industry and to prevent the theft of government lands. While fighting against corruption in the village, he was attacked with a sword by a group of individuals and is currently receiving inpatient treatment at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

Since 2011, Wasantha Kumara has been leading a relentless campaign to stop illegal activities in the village. A millionaire businessman, using political clout, closed the road leading to Maha Kapuaya Wewa. Wasantha reported this issue to Matale District Secretary (Who is also the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee) on June 10, 2017. The District Secretary then called for a 'field inspection report' before the Agriculture Committee on July 11, 2017. As a result of Wasantha's actions, Dambulla Divisional Secretary had to acknowledge on March 7, 2019, that the road belongs to the government.