Sinithambi Nimalan, president of the Mylathamadu Madhavanai Cattle Breeders’ Association, states that 200,000 cattle in the Mylathamadu area of Batticaloa are starving to death due to a lack of grass to eat.
In 2011, 11,000 hectares were allocated as grazing land for cattle in Batticaloa through a government gazette. However, much of this grazing land has since been lost as squatters have settled on it and are cultivating other crops.
1700 cows brutally killed by Unauthorized settlers
The chairman noted that illegal settlers have been killing cows that wander into the area for grazing, with approximately 1,700 cows killed so far.
For about a year, dairy farmers have been suffering as a result, and a 385-day continuous protest is currently being held in front of the Batticaloa Milko Institute, he said.
He pointed out that although one-third of Sri Lanka’s milk production comes from this region, milk production in Batticaloa has drastically decreased due to the shortage of feed for the cattle.
The chairman also mentioned that more than 4,000 people from 982 families depend on these dairy activities. As maintaining cows has become increasingly difficult, many have left the area in search of other work.
Daily milk production decreases from 6000 to 1000 liters
He lamented that no responsible party has come forward to offer a solution, despite cases being filed in the Batticaloa and Eravur Courts. Although the courts ordered the squatters to vacate the grazing lands, the orders have been ignored, and the squatters continue to occupy the land.
Before this problem arose, the union used to supply about 6,000 liters of milk to the milk board daily, but now they can only supply around 1,000 liters.
The union further appeals to the president and other responsible authorities to pay attention to this issue and provide a solution.
Akila Nadishani Bandara