Formal investigation before eviction of Divulapathana residents – AG tells SC

The Attorney General has told the Supreme Court that an official investigation will take place regarding the residents of Divulapathana village in the Eastern Province, which is mainly a Sinhalese area under the Mahaweli Authority. This was shared by Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew, who represented the Attorney General, during a hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero and local residents. They are challenging the planned eviction of these villagers. The case was heard by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, which included Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, Shiran Gooneratne, and Achala Wengappuli, as reported by Ada Derana. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew stated that a formal inquiry would determine who the original residents are and that steps would be taken to offer them alternative land or compensation. Attorney-at-Law Kanishka Vitharana, representing the petitioners, requested that the residents be allowed to stay in their homes until the investigation is finished and that they receive proper assistance. After reviewing the information, the judges decided to end the hearing with agreement from all parties involved. They also informed the petitioners that they could bring the case back to court through a motion if sufficient relief is not provided after the investigation is concluded. NOTE: Due to legal restrictions, the Ada Derana Editorial team has decided to turn off comments on all articles related to ongoing court cases. Copyright ©2026 Ada Derana. All rights reserved.