The ACTC-controlled Point Pedro Urban Council has decided to organize a large-scale public demonstration demanding the removal of army and navy installations from the town, citing development concerns.
The Point Pedro Urban Council, controlled by the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) following May 2025 local elections, has resolved to launch a major protest campaign against military installations operating within its jurisdiction. According to The Tamil Guardian, the council's monthly meeting on Monday approved a proposal from Mayor Douglas Paul to demand the relocation of an army detachment at Point Pedro jetty and a navy facility at Munai on the town's northern tip. The demonstration is scheduled for August.
The council, which consists of 15 elected members representing multiple parties including ITAK, NPP, DTNA, INDO and EPDP, has previously raised similar concerns. A comparable protest was organized last year, during which participants argued that the military camps occupy strategically valuable land and obstruct the town's economic development. At that time, according to The Tamil Guardian, government authorities suggested the matter would be reviewed favorably, and NPP parliamentarians indicated the camps would be vacated soon.
However, Mayor Paul noted that one year has elapsed without concrete action. He emphasized that the continued military presence remains an impediment to Point Pedro's growth and development prospects. The latest proposal garnered majority support among councillors, who agreed to mobilize public organizations and community groups for the upcoming demonstration. Local representatives contend that the installations disrupt residents and visitors while consuming land that could be redirected toward economic expansion.
The council began its meeting with a tribute to Tamil political prisoners and civilians who died during what members referred to as the 1983 Black July events.
