Abstract:
The post-war Northern Province of Sri Lanka continues to experience complex tensions arising
from contested land governance and environmental degradation. Focusing on Northern Province
of Sri Lanka, this study examines how land disputes and ecological degradation function as interconnected
drivers of post-conflict tension. Drawing on Political Ecology and Resource Conflict
Theory, the research analyzes how power relations and competition over natural resources shape
environmental and social conflict in post-war contexts. Using qualitative and quantitative data
collected through interviews and surveys with 30 villagers and activists, the study finds that military
and police occupation of civilian land for camp construction has intensified local grievances
and restricted access to traditional landholdings. Respondents further identified extensive deforestation,
unauthorized construction, and unregulated tube-well development as significant
contributors to environmental degradation and groundwater depletion. In addition, the designation
of local lands as protected areas without adequate community consultation has limited
livelihood opportunities and deepened perceptions of marginalization. The findings demonstrate
that environmental degradation and land disputes are mutually reinforcing processes that
exacerbate post-conflict tensions in Northern Province. The study argues that sustainable peacebuilding
requires demilitarization of occupied lands, stronger environmental regulation, inclusive
land governance, and community-centered environmental peacebuilding initiatives to promote
reconciliation and long-term resilience in post-conflict regions
