More lands used for security purposes in Palaly HSZ released to civilians | Sunday Observer

More lands used for security purposes in Palaly HSZ released to civilians

3 February, 2023

The Security Force HQ-Jaffna (SFHQ-J) in conformity with Presidential directives formally released 80.14 acres of non-governmental land, hitherto being used by the Army for security purposes to the Jaffna District Secretariat for onward distribution among rightful owners on Friday (3) afternoon on account of the 75th National Independence Day.

Accordingly, 12.14 acres in Palaly North Grama Niladari (GN) Division, 0.72 perches in Thelippalai GN Division in the Palaly High Security Zone (HSZ), 50.59 acres in Kankasanthurai Central GN Division and 16.55 acres in Mailaddy North GN Division were released today (3) after handing over formal documents to that effect during a symbolic ceremony, held at Anthonypuram in Palaly.

Effected on the directions of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, Major General Swarna Bothota, Commander, Security Forces -Jaffna in close coordination with the Jaffna District Secretariat and respective Divisional Secretariats symbolically handed over relevant documents pertaining to those lands to the Jaffna District Secretary, Mr A. Sivabalasundaran during the brief ceremony.

The day's agenda began after the Commander, Security Forces-Jaffna delivered the opening remarks and welcomed all guests attending the occasion.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Member of Parliament, Hon. Angajan Ramanathan, Member of Parliament, Hon. M.A. Sumanthiran, Member of Parliament, Hon. Kandiya Sivagnanam, Council Chairman Northern Province, Mr S.M Saman Bandulasena, Chief Secretary, Northern Province attended the ceremony as special guests, together with a representative gathering of land owners.

The District Secretary upon receipt of those documents expressed gratitude to the Security Forces in his vote of thanks and said the gesture would inevitably further boost existing relations between the civilians and the members of the Security Forces in the peninsula.

Respective Divisional Secretaries, General Officer Commanding of 51, 52, 55 Infantry Divisions, Deputy Inspector General for Jaffna, Commander, 515 Infantry Brigade, Commanding Officer, Air Force Station, Palaly, State Officials, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and beneficiaries were present at the occasion.

The Army without compromising security concerns in the peninsula has been in the practice of releasing those lands to legal owners in the past and the above release was also made from lands that have been largely used by cluster camps of the Army, situated inside the Palaly High Security Zone.

Comments