• N-E Governors, Land CG, DWC, Forest Conservation Dept. to discuss expeditious solutions 
• Land CG finds Forest Dept. gazetting an issue in K’nochchi

Several stakeholders such as the Northern and Eastern Provincial Governors, the Land Commissioner General's (CG) Department, and the Departments of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation are to meet in the coming days, and discuss the prompt resolution of land-related issues in the North and the East.

The frequent issues that the Northern and Eastern people face include the occupation of their lands by the military forces and State departments.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said that the Land CG had recently visited Kilinochchi to study the issues. "We have identified several issues. In most cases, the Forest Conservation Department has gazetted lands under it, and residents claim that their lands are also in them. Some of them also confirm their ownership."

Noting that the Government has paid special attention to resolving the land-related issues in the North and the East, he said that the relevant stakeholders would meet in the coming days, and discuss possible quick solutions. "The Provincial Governors, the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Departments, and the Land CG would discuss what actions can be taken regarding the land-related issues."

The land-related issues in the North and the East are connected to the war and the struggles of the people who live there. Many families lost their homes and lands during the conflict, and even years after the war ended, some are still fighting to get them back. Some lands are under military control, while others have been taken over by various Governmental Departments. Successive governments have returned some lands, but many people are still waiting for their lands to be returned.