Land release in focus at Defence Committee Meeting

Colombo, April 7 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Defence convened in Parliament this afternoon (07) under the patronage of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Defence.

During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the progress of previously raised matters, as well as issues highlighted by Members of Parliament representing the Northern Province and both government and opposition benches. Special attention was focused on challenges related to the release of lands currently held by security forces in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the reopening of closed road sections, with possible solutions explored.

The President also sought updates on measures taken to address concerns surrounding lands linked to religious places.

Attention was further drawn to reconstruction efforts following the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, particularly in relation to roads and irrigation systems, as well as the progress of compensating affected farmers.

President Dissanayake noted that nearly 1,000 acres of privately owned land in the Northern Province had been released in 2025 alone, adding that steps are underway to release the remaining lands in a systematic manner.

He emphasised that while lands required for livelihoods are being returned, the government is also focused on managing land resources for industrial and economic development. Officials were instructed to explore further measures in this regard.

The committee also reviewed matters concerning the welfare of security forces personnel and the functioning of the Ministry of Defence and its affiliated institutions. Approval was granted for several regulations to be presented to Parliament.