Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda stated that most of the lands in the Northern Province that are under Security Forces (SF), Wildlife Department (WLD), and Forest Conservation Department (FCD) had been released, and he believes that the rest of the lands also will be released within the next few months.
The Minister expressed these views while attending a function held at the Jaffna District Secretariat, to release lands under the control of SF in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts, to the owners. The Minister also stated that the Tri-Forces always serve the people and he agrees with the view of the Army Commander of Northern region who too attended the function. Elaborating further, the Minister stated that most of the farmers’ lands have been acquired by the SF, WLD and the FCD, and the Government under the leadership of the President is taking measures to release these lands gradually.
The President is of the opinion that these lands should be released as before 1985, and accordingly, most of the lands have been released by now, and if this process is carried out further, all the lands will be released by next April. Commenting on the Indian poaching issue, the Minister stated that 3 boats and 20 fishermen were arrested on March 10. The Minister added that the SF should intensify operations, and the President has taken many Diplomatic level steps through the Foreign Minister, since this is an issue between two countries.
Senior officials including the District Secretaries of Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts and Senior Advisor to the President Sagala Ratnayake attended the event.
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