During a meeting between Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda and Jaffna Army Commander Swarna Bothota on 31 December, arrangements for the 75th Independence Day commemoration in Jaffna and the release of private and public lands from high security zones were discussed.

Devananda told The Morning yesterday (1) that Bothota met him at his office in Jaffna on Saturday (31 December) and discussed various issues including the release of lands, the drug menace in the Jaffna peninsula, sword-wielding attack groups, illegal sand mining, and the refurbishment of schools and other public places.

“Releasing lands from high-security zones without any hindrance to national security had been a long-term demand of our party. We submitted a document to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa regarding the acres of lands under the control of security forces and currently we have given the same document to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He is keen on releasing the lands,” he added.

Devananda noted that Bothota had said that the forces would examine the lands and keep him updated on the situation.

“I told them there is no war at the moment. Therefore, I have told them to release the lands in phases. Not only private lands; I have requested them to release lands that are used for public purposes. I have requested them to function as a people’s army,” he added.

He said that he requested the Jaffna Army Commander to refurbish schools and playgrounds in the area too.

Meanwhile, during the all party conference held last month, releasing of lands was addressed and President Wickremesinghe had directed the relevant authorities to look into it.

Also during a meeting between Tamil National Alliance representatives and Government representatives including President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana land issues were further discussed during the latter part of last month.