SECURITY FORCE (EAST) RELEASES LANDS IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT

As the second phase of ongoing land releasing process of Security Force (East), another four plots of land (8.5 acres in total extent) in Batticaloa District, which were being used by armed forces thus far for security requirements were handed over to their legitimate owners during a brief ceremony held at the District Secretariat Batticaloa (27) today.

In keeping with the government’s policy of releasing lands of civilians, the Commander Security Force (East) Major General Aruna Jayasekera symbolically handed over relevant certificates of land clearance to the Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province, Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, Chief Secretary of the Provincial Council – Eastern Province Mr. D. M. Sarath Abayagunawardhana and the Assistant District Secretary Batticaloa Mrs. Shrikanth at the presence of General Officer Commanding 23 Division Brigadier Kapila Udalupola, Brigadier General Staff of SFHQ(E) Brigadier Shantha Hewawitharana and Commander 231 Brigade Colonel Mihindu Perera.

The four plots – 2.25 acres in Kirankulam in Manmunepattu DS Division, 0.5 acres in Ondachchimadam in Manmune South Eravilpattu DS Division, 0.75 acres in Kokkadicholai in Manmune South West Porativpattu DS Division and 5 acres of government land in Thonithattamadu in Koralepattu North DS Division were handed over to the legitimate owners at the ceremony.

The Commander Security Force (East) Major General Aruna Jayasekera, addressing the ceremony informed that prior to this event, the Security Forces (East) commenced the land releasing process from Trincomalee District as the first phase and as the next step, some more land plots in Ampara District will be released to their legitimate owners. The land releasing is being carried out after a careful study and would not affect maintenance of security in the region. In addition, he informed that releasing of military held lands would showcase the commitment of the Army towards the reconciliation efforts carried out by the government.

The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of people including the beneficiaries.