Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has stated that investigations found no evidence supporting social media claims of an LTTE training camp at a property in the Palai Reserve, describing the site instead as a legitimate agricultural business.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has rejected widespread allegations circulating on social media that an LTTE training camp and bomb-manufacturing facility operate within the Palai Reserve, declaring that official investigations have found no basis for these claims. According to the Minister, the property in question is located in the Kanagarayankulam area and is operated as an agricultural enterprise called "Nature Farming" by an individual identified as Thiyagarasa. The site includes approximately 21 acres of cultivated land, a multi-storey structure housing a garment manufacturing operation with 20 industrial sewing machines, and areas dedicated to aloe vera and vegetable cultivation that employ local residents.
Wijepala stated that the Terrorism Investigation Division conducted extensive field investigations following the allegations and found no evidence of any LTTE-related activity or bomb manufacturing at the location. He suggested that the false claims were deliberately spread through social media to mislead the public, portray the person making allegations as having uncovered a security threat, and create divisions within communities.
However, the Minister acknowledged that separate legal issues surround the property itself. The Department of Forest Conservation has initiated multiple legal proceedings against Thiyagarasa and four others connected to the operation, alleging that the farm was established on protected forest reserve land without authorization. Authorities have also filed cases related to the storage of unmarked timber and the clearing of additional forest areas. According to Wijepala, the Government maintains the land is State property within a protected forest area, while the owner claims it belongs to a relative. The next court hearing regarding these matters is scheduled for August 25.
