Top Defence officials Join Meeting on Jaffna Land Release

A high-level meeting was held yesterday (11 Nov) at the Parliament Complex to evaluate the progress of releasing privately owned lands in the Jaffna and Palali areas currently under military use.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) and Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Mr. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku.

The discussion was held to accelerate the government's efforts in resolving land-related issues, a cornerstone of the national reconciliation process.

Key matters discussed included finalizing boundary re-alignments, expediting the compensation process, prioritizing land plots for release, and overcoming administrative bottlenecks.

Chairpersons stressed the importance of a transparent and equitable process that ensures rightful land owners regain access to their property without compromising vital defence infrastructure.

Hon. Members of the Parliament, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Tri forces Commanders, Inspector General of Police, along with other senior officials from the defence and administrative sectors, also took part in the session.