A request has been submitted to Northern Province Governor Vethanayagan to repurpose a swimming pool previously used by the LTTE, which remains under the control of the Sri Lankan military, for sports development and athlete training in Mullaitivu.
The request was formally presented by Dr. Udayaseelan, president of the Mullaitivu District Cricket Association, during the Mullai Premier League final in Puthukkudiyiruppu on 8 March, where the governor served as the event’s chief guest.
Dr. Udayaseelan emphasised the urgent need for proper sports infrastructure, stating that swimming training in Mullaitivu currently takes place in the sea due to the lack of suitable facilities. He pointed out that a fully functional swimming pool exists in Iranapalai, yet it remains underutilised due to continued military occupation.
He proposed that the facility be converted into a dedicated training centre, not only for athletes from Mullaitivu district but also for those from neighbouring regions. To ensure its proper upkeep, he suggested that the district sports committee or another relevant authority take charge of its management.
The swimming pool in Iranapalai, constructed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for training purposes, has remained under the control of the Sri Lankan military since the end of the Tamil armed struggle in 2009. Despite the growing demand for sports facilities, the military has yet to release the site for civilian use.
The continued militarisation of land and infrastructure in Tamil regions has long been a contentious issue, with numerous public properties, schools, and community centres still occupied by the armed forces. The refusal to release these sites, despite repeated appeals from local leaders and civil society groups, has hindered post-war development and restricted access to essential public resources.
The governor has yet to respond to the request, but local sports organisers continue to push for the repurposing of this facility, stressing that it would greatly benefit young athletes and foster sports development in the war-affected region.