10th December 2018 20:45:53 Hours
As per the mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) initiated by the HE the President Mithreepala Sirisena for the development of North and EAST, the direction and initiative given during the PTF meeting, the Security Force East has launched its inaugural step to release lands which are not essential for providing the security in the region. The Commander Security Force (East) Major General Aruna Jayasekera symbolically handed over relevant certificates of lands to the Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama and District Secretary Trincomalee Mr. N A Pushpakumar at the presence of General Officer Commanding 22 Division Major General Nevil Weerasisnghe and the Brigade Commanders of 22 Division 10th December 2018 .
Four land plots - five acres in Kallampattu in Kuchchaveli DS Division, two acres in Siththaru in Serunuwara DS Division, three acres in Thopur and two acres in Patalipuram in the Muthur DS Division were handed over during the brief ceremony held in the office of Governor of the Eastern Province - Trincomalee.
The Commander Security Force (East) Major General Aruna Jayasekera said that these lands had been used for protecting the territorial integrity and protection of civilians, yet due to prevailing peaceful and harmonious situation in the region and to support the development projects on going in districts, Army has decided to release these lands. In addition, Commander Security Force East stated some more selected lands in other districts also will be released to legitimate owners. Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama thanked the Army for its timely action on releasing military-held lands in the Eastern Province where the three communities live, adding a historic chapter to the government’s ongoing projects of reconciliation and ethnic harmony.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of people including the beneficiaries.
