701.5 ACRES RELEASED FOR RESETTLEMENT

President Maithripala Sirisena has directed that 701.5 acres of land within the High Security Zone at Kopay be released for resettlement, officials said yesterday.

The President had issued this directive to the Army based on a request made by Prison Reforms, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister D.M. Swaminathan.

The lands released on December 29 by the Army for resettlement were as follows: 468.5 acres in Tellippalai Division and 233 acres in Kopay Division.

Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothi said nearly 12,000 families in Jaffna were still living either in welfare centres or with friends and relatives as their lands were yet to be released for resettlement.

He said the new move would enable the resettlement of more than 700 families and provide livelihood opportunities through agricultural activities in the Jaffna District.

“Release of lands to the displaced families to resettle them in their original places of residence is a major milestone in ensuring a durable solution and establishing sustainable peace in the waraffected Northern Province,” Mr. Sivagnanasothi said.

He said the resettled families would be provided with an allowance by the ministry for land clearance, tool kits, a food package and temporary shelter.

Mr. Sivagnanasothy said 1000 acres of land in Jaffna, 500 acres in Kilinochchi and 1000 acres in Sampur were released earlier.