President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the security forces to expedite the release and return of lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces that were acquired during the conflict and are no longer required for security purposes.
The President issued the directive during a discussion held at the Parliamentary Complex yesterday on expediting the release and return of private lands acquired for the establishment of military camps during the conflict, as well as State lands previously used by local communities.
President Dissanayake stressed that national security remains a paramount priority and said determining the locations and extent of land required for military camps and other security installations is the responsibility of the Tri-Forces, Police and other relevant security authorities.
Based on those requirements, he instructed officials to reach a final determination on which lands can be released and which must be retained for security purposes.
The President also directed officials to adopt a people-centred approach when determining the extent of land essential for security purposes and to release the maximum possible area that can be returned to the public.
He stressed that the return of land should be accompanied by measures to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for affected communities.
Accordingly, President Dissanayake instructed the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to introduce projects incorporating modern agricultural technologies aimed at increasing productivity and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for those who regain access to their lands.
