President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the security forces to accelerate the release and return of lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces that were taken over during the conflict but are no longer required for security purposes.

The directive was issued during a discussion at the Parliamentary Complex on Thursday (20) on expediting the return of private lands acquired for military camps, as well as State lands previously used by local communities.

The President stressed that national security remains paramount, noting that decisions on where military camps and other installations are required must be made by the Tri‑Forces, Police, and relevant security authorities. 

He called for a final determination on which lands can be released and which must be retained.

Emphasising a people‑centred approach, President Dissanayake urged officials to release the maximum possible extent of land to the public and to ensure livelihood opportunities accompany the return of lands.

He further directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to introduce projects incorporating modern agricultural technologies aimed at boosting productivity and creating sustainable livelihoods. (Newswire)

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Seventeen years after the end of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict, large tracts of privately owned civilian lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces remain under military occupation, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam told Parliament today (08).

MP Rasamanickam said the Government must fulfil its election pledge to expedite the release of occupied lands and enable resettlement. 

He welcomed the recent release of two military camps in Batticaloa, following the concerns raised at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Defence, chaired by the President as Minister of Defence, but stressed that the pace of land releases remains far too slow.

The MP noted that continued military occupation hampers reconciliation, resettlement, and economic recovery, adding that except where there are genuine national security requirements, military deployment should be progressively reduced to levels comparable with the rest of the country.

Shanakiyan highlighted ongoing peaceful protests in Palaly, Myliddy, and Keppapilavu, where communities demand the return of their lands. 

He pointed out that the National People’s Power (NPP) secured a ward in Palaly at the recent Local Government Election largely on its promise to release civilian lands, saying, “The people who placed their trust in that promise now deserve to see it fulfilled.”

He called on the Government to present Parliament with a district‑by‑district breakdown of lands still under military occupation, the extent released since the current administration took office, and a timeline for releasing the remainder. 

Shanakiyan further outlined specific unresolved issues, such as:

• Myliddy: 556 acres belonging to around 700 families.
• Palaly: 556 acres belonging to about 300 families.
• Karaichchi Public Library: Land required for expansion.
• Iranamadu Agricultural Research Institute: Land still occupied.
• Keppapilavu: 59.5 acres remain under military control, with families only given temporary plots.

Rejecting claims that Keppapilavu residents had been provided with alternative lands, Shanakiyan said only a limited number of families had received temporary allocations. 

He urged the Government to accelerate demilitarisation in the North and East, stressing: “The affected communities have waited long enough.” (Newswire)

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Train services on the Northern Railway Line resumed on Thursday (09) following the completion of restoration work on cyclone-damaged sections.

The repairs were carried out with support from the Government of India under a USD 5 million grant, part of a broader USD 450 million assistance package.

The restoration was completed ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, enabling the resumption of a key transport link and improving connectivity in affected areas. (Newswire)

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A special training programme on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was conducted at the Northern Provincial Chief Secretary’s Office this week (27) to promote the use of AI among public officials.

The training program titled “AI for Transforming Public Service” was conducted by the Presidential Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy.

The program seeks to foster innovation and reform within the public sector through digitalization and AI technology, enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, create pathways for overseas training opportunities, prepare for digital economy policies, improve AI literacy among government officials and develop a new generation of officers aligned with global standards.

The keynote address was delivered by Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Hans Wijesuriya, while officials from the Presidential Secretariat participated as resource persons.

At the conclusion of the program, internationally recognized certificates of participation were awarded to the attendees.

Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan, Chief Secretary Tanuja Murugesan, Deputy Chief Secretary, Provincial Ministry Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Executive Officers of public institutions in the Northern Province were present at the event. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) says over 700 acres of land in the North and East have been returned to the public so far this year. 

Deputy Minister Jayasekara said that from 01st January 2025 to date, a total of 672.24 acres of land have been returned to the public in the North.

He further said that these lands include 86.24 acres of private land and 586 acres of land that were used by the military.

Deputy Minister Jayasekara went on to note that 34.58 acres of government lands have also been released in the East Province alone.

He added that issues with the Eechankulam land in the Vavuniya District are being looked into and will be resolved soon. 

Deputy Minister Jayasekara revealed that the mentioned lands have been released after the submission of relevant information to the National Security Council (NSC) and the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security.

The Deputy Minister of Defence gave the breakdown while addressing the Parliament of Sri Lanka today. (Newswire)

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The Association for Relatives of the Enforced Disappearances in the North and East Provinces has categorically rejected Sri Lanka’s domestic mechanisms and called for the immediate establishment of an independent, special, international Commission of Inquiry to investigate the mass graves uncovered in the North and East, including the Chemmani mass grave. 

In a letter addressed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Association for Relatives of the Enforced Disappearances informed of the rotational hunger strike that has been launched, demanding international justice for the genocide committed against the Tamil people and the enforced disappearances.

“The case of genocide committed by the Sri Lankan state against the Tamil people must be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). If it is not possible for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes prior to 01 July 2002, then a special international criminal tribunal on Sri Lanka must be established to ensure accountability for genocide and related crimes,” the Association said. 

The Association further made 08 proposals to the international community to be taken as immediate steps. 

It is also reported that the Association for Relatives of the Enforced Disappearances in the North and East Provinces burnt copies of the UN Human Rights Commissioner’s report on Sri Lanka, near the Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna.

The UN Rights Chief’s reports were burned yesterday (01 Oct) as a symbolic gesture of rejecting the report. (Newswire)

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The first coconut seed production unit in the Northern Province was inaugurated in Pallai under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as part of the Northern Coconut Triangle Project.

Marking the commencement of operations at the production unit this morning, the President planted a seed coconut sapling.

The initiative is being implemented as a collaborative programme between the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka and the Chilaw Plantations Company.

The Government has planned to promote Jaffna, Mullaitivu and Mannar as the Northern Coconut Triangle. Under this programme, 16,000 acres of coconut cultivation are expected to be established in the Northern Province by 2025, with expansion to 40,000 acres projected within the three years from 2025 to 2027.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also visited a coconut-related exhibition organised by the Coconut Development Authority in the area opposite the Pudukuduirippu Central College today.

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyaratne, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, along with officials of the Coconut Research Institute and Chilaw Plantations Company, were present at the occasion. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to inaugurate and participate in several development programmes in the Northern Province today (02), marking the second consecutive day of such initiatives. 

Coinciding with World Coconut Day, the President will preside over the launch of the “Ratama Saru Karai Nirathuru – Kapthuru Saviya” Northern Coconut Triangle project in Puthukudiyiruppu this morning. 

The programme, which begins with the objective of cultivating 16,000 acres of coconut in the Northern Province by 2025, is expected to expand to 50,000 acres by 2027. 

Alongside this initiative, the first model coconut garden in the North will be launched in Palai under the patronage of the President. 

The President will also inaugurate a coconut-based products exhibition organized by the Coconut Development Authority, held near Puthukkudiyiruppu Central College. 

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake will also preside over the commencement of construction of the Vadduvakal Bridge in Mullaitivu District today (02). 

Located along the Paranthan – Karachchi – Mullaitivu Road near the Nandikadal Lagoon, the bridge carries over 3,000 vehicles daily. Owing to the lack of maintenance for many years, it has become severely unsafe.

Accordingly, under the Road Development Authority, the bridge will be reconstructed as a new two-lane bridge at a cost of Rs. 1.4 billion in public funds. (Newswire)

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The Clean Sri Lanka initiative, a flagship government programme aimed at building a thriving nation and a beautiful life, was launched in the Northern Province today (13), with a district-level event in Jaffna. 

According to the President’s Office, the launch coincided with the grand festival at the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil.

Held under the theme “To Jaffna with Love – Clean Voyage of Unity”, the programme will run until 20th August.

As part of its awareness drive, a special promotional event took place aboard the iconic Yal Devi train, which departed Colombo for Jaffna at 6:40 a.m. today.

The ceremonial launch at Colombo Fort Railway Station was attended by Russel Aponso, Senior Additional Secretary to the President. 

The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the Clean Sri Lanka concept, encourage respect for public property and promote ethical values. 

Events were arranged to foster a positive perception of the railway transportation system within the community, a treasured national asset, while also promoting awareness of how to administer first aid in emergencies.

Adding a cultural touch, the event featured musical performances by prominent Sinhala and Tamil artists.

The programme was organised by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, with support from Fairfirst Insurance, Sinhagiri (Pvt) Ltd., Samson Rubber Industries and the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society. (Newswire)

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The hartal planned for Friday, 15th August, across the North and East has been postponed to Monday, 18th August, according to the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK). 

According to the ITAK, the date change follows a request from the Bishop of Mannar, who noted that a special event will be held at the Madhu Church on 15th August.

Following discussions with the Vicar General of the Mannar Diocese, organizers agreed to move the protest to avoid clashing with the church event and to coincide with the Nallur Temple festival.

Tamil National Alliance General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran and ITAK President C. V. K. Sivagnanam urged the public to support the hartal on 18th August by closing shops and offices across the region to express opposition on key issues.

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi had previously called for a hartal on 15th August in the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest the alleged killing of a man by soldiers from the Sri Lankan Army in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu. 

At the time, the ITAK stated that the body of 32-year-old Edirmanasingam Kabilraj was found in the Muttaiyankattu Tank on 09th August, two days after he and four others were reportedly summoned to the army camp and severely beaten. (Newswire)

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Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) General Secretary Jeevan Thondaman has extended his support for the hartal to be held on 15th August in the Northern and Eastern provinces to protest the alleged killing of a man by soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army.

Issuing a statement, Jeevan Thondaman said that a search was launched for 32-year-old Edirmannasingam Kabilraj, who was reported missing after being attacked by the Army on 07th August, and his body was later found in the Muthuiyankaddu Tank in Oddusuddan on 09th August. 

“I extend my support for this hartal, which calls for justice and protests the unlawful actions of the Army,” he said. 

Jeevan Thondaman further said that it is regrettable that such inhumane activities are still occurring in Sri Lanka, even though it has been 16 years since the end of the civil war. (Newswire)

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A discussion has been held under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya regarding the pressing land issues in the North and East of Sri Lanka. 

In a statement on social media, the Prime Minister said the Minister of Lands K.D. Lal Kantha, several Members of Parliament, and other government officials participated in the meeting held at the Parliament on Friday. 

PM Harini Amarasuriya said during the meeting, she reaffirmed that under no circumstances will the government take over these lands. 

She further said that, instead, necessary steps will be taken to ensure they are returned to the rightful owners, those who hold the original claims.

“Our policies must be grounded in justice, dignity, and equality for all communities,” PM Amarasuriya added. (Newswire)

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The adverse effects of climate change, coupled with the long-drawn impacts of the socio-economic crisis have had devastating effects on communities across Sri Lanka.  

The rural economy is reliant on natural resources and has shown increasing frailty due to rampant inflation, increasing import prices, and the unpredictability of supply chains. 

With the increasing cost of living, energy sources continue to be unaffordable to many low-income households in rural Sri Lanka, prompting these families back into unsafe alternative energy options which cause indoor air pollution, premature deaths, and an increase in acute and chronic diseases. 

As part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Climate Promise initiative with funding from the Government of Japan through Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) Phase 1, the project entitled ‘Enhancing Food and Energy Security through the Promotion of Renewable Energy for Wider Uptake among Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers in Sri Lanka’ was implemented in the North-Western and Eastern Provinces. 

In Phase 2, the ‘Enhancing Rural Resilience in Sri Lanka through Energy Efficiency & the Adoption of Renewable Energy for a Just Transition to Net-Zero Pathways’ project is being implemented in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. 

In a recent visit to the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Akio ISOMATA, together with the Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka, Azusa KUBOTA, engaged in an observation visit to selected project sites, along with key representatives from local governments including Mr. Nadaraja Thamilchelvan, Deputy Chief Secretary, Eastern Province; Dr. Raj Gnanasegar, Director-Planning, Eastern Province; and Mr. A. Umamaheshwaran, District Secretary, Mullaitivu District.   

Commenting on the visits, Ambassador ISOMATA noted, “These projects are significant as they try to achieve human security of individuals as well as energy security of the society by meeting energy needs of the local communities through energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. Assistance to the Northern and Eastern Provinces continues to be an important pillar of Japan’s development assistance to Sri Lanka. Japan is committed to working together with all stakeholders, also taking into account the recently launched initiative of the new government ’Clean Sri Lanka.”

During the visit to the Eastern Province, the high-level delegation saw the direct impacts in locations including the District Agriculture Training Centre in Uppuweli, Trincomalee, which was supported with a 10kW solar PV system and supports nearly 10,000 individuals- playing a crucial role in equipping smallholder farmers, women, youth, and government officials with essential agricultural knowledge and skills with an annual saving of approximately 1,700 USD.

In the Northern Province, Ambassador ISOMATA and Ms. KUBOTA along with Mr. A. Umamaheshwaran, District Secretary, Mullaitivu District visited the beneficiaries with home gardens in Puthukkudiyiruppu. 

The delegation directly engaged and interacted with beneficiaries who have been supported through the introduction of Renewable Energy Technologies. 75 biogas units, 100 improved cookstoves and 102 Solar PV systems will be provided to the community under the project and were symbolically handed over to the community during the visit. 

Highlighting the UNDP’s leadership through the initiative, Ms. Azusa KUBOTA, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka added, “For many families in this area, energy access is not just a challenge—it’s a barrier to opportunity. High energy costs limit the potential to thrive socially and economically. By providing solar, biogas, and improved cookstoves to the community through the UNDP Climate Promise Initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, we enhance livelihoods and narrow the energy divide for rural farming communities. We are grateful for the opportunities provided by the Government and People of Japan to bring new technologies to the communities.”

The completed JSB-funded Phase 1 project supported the agricultural sector facing the shortage of power and energy, enhancing food and energy security through the utilization of renewable energy, with funding amounting to 1 million USD. The ongoing JSB-funded Phase 2 project has worked to strengthen the human and energy security of climate-vulnerable communities, particularly women, youth and rural entrepreneurs, while accelerating the uptake of renewable energy technologies, for domestic, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and public service energy requirements, setting a foundation for a just transition to net-zero pathways and sustainable development, with funding amounting to almost 328 thousand USD. (Newswire)

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In a gesture of solidarity, the High Commission of India in Colombo extended relief assistance to the people of the Northern Province, responding to the recent floods that caused displacement and hardship. 

According to the Indian High Commission, on behalf of it, the distribution was carried out by the Consul General of India in Jaffna Shri. Sai Murali, alongside MP Kader Masthan yesterday.

Approximately 2,100 families from flood-affected areas in Pesalai and Vellankulam villages (Mannar District) and Thunukkai and Manthai East (Mullaitivu District) received essential aid. 

The relief package included mats and blankets, providing much-needed support to families during this difficult time.

The Indian High Commission states this assistance reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing India’s “Neighborhood First” policy. 

The High Commission added that India remains committed to standing by its neighbours in times of need, ensuring timely and effective relief to affected communities. (Newswire)

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The examination papers of the postponed GCE Advanced Level Examination have been retrieved from certain areas affected by adverse weather in the Northern Province with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

According to the Air Force, the exam papers were retrieved from the examination centres in Delft Island, Welladi, and Nagadeepa in the North and handed over to the Northern Province Department of Education. 

The exam papers were retrieved using a Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force yesterday. 

The GCE Advanced Level Examination which commenced on 25 November, was postponed for three days from 27 November.

However, taking into consideration the adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka, the Department of Examinations decided to postpone the exam until 03 December.

The GCE Advanced Level Examination will recommence on 04 December 2024, with the department having announced a revised schedule for the postponed exams.

Accordingly, the revised schedule for missed subjects is as follows;

• Subjects not held on 27th November – Rescheduled for 21 December 2024
• Subjects not held on 28th November – Rescheduled for 23 December 2024
• Subjects not held on 29th November – Rescheduled for 27 December 2024
• Subjects not held on 30th November – Rescheduled for 28 December 2024
• Subjects not held on 02nd December – Rescheduled for 30 December 2024
• Subjects not held on 03rd December – Rescheduled for 31 December 2024 (Newswire)

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The Government of China has made cash donations amounting to a total of Rs. 1.5 billion to the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka, so far this year, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said.

The Government of China has made significant donations for the development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, with Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong visiting various parts of the two provinces to deliver the aid. 

Taking to ‘X’, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong visited the Northern and Eastern Provinces, making multiple donations between 19-21 November 2024 as well. 

Visiting the Kaluvankerni village in the Eastern Province yesterday (21 Nov), the Chinese Ambassador made a cash donation of Rs. 04 million.

The ambassador has visited the village in the Eastern Province for several consecutive years, making multiple cash donations to support villagers in building homes and improving livelihood.  

Previously, on Wednesday (20 Nov), Ambassador Qi Zhenhong contributed an additional cash donation of Rs. 08 million from the Chinese Government to the Eastern Province.

The Chinese Embassy announced that the Chinese Ambassador also delivered a cash donation of Rs. 12 million to the Northern Province on the same day. 

According to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the Government of China has donated house units, fishing nets and rice for a total value of Rs. 1.5 billion to the Northern and Eastern Provinces for this year. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted to obtain the assistance of the South Korean Government for the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management and Indirect Economy Development Project focusing on the Uva and Northern Provinces.

According to the government, the South Korean Government has agreed to provide a financial grant of US$10.20 million for the implementation of the said project for the period 2024 -2028.

Under the South Korean grant, an integrated solid waste management mechanism will be established at the local government level in the Uva and Northern provinces, while management problems are also to be resolved. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Local Government, to implement the proposed project by utilising technical assistance from the Korean International Cooperation Agency and financial assistance from the Korean Government. (Newswire)

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The Palali – Achchuveli main road in the Northern Province was reopened today (Nov 01) after a period of over 30 years, on the directive of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

According to the President’s Media Division, the Palali – Achchuveli main road had been closed during the 30-year civil war and for 15 more years after the end of the war.

The Northern Province public had made repeated requests for the road to be opened and a request in this regard was made from the President by the Governor of the Northern Province during a discussion last month. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had instructed the relevant security officials to look into the safety issues of reopening the said road and take necessary measures. 

Accordingly, the Palali – Achchuveli main road has been reopened with the intervention of the Defence Ministry and the Ministry Secretary. (Newswire)

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The North and East would not be merged, while police or land powers would not be granted to these areas under a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government, the party’s Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa said.

He made these comments during a media briefing held in Jaffna today, responding to questions raised by journalists.

A Buddhist nation protects all religions, languages, and communities, Rajapaksa said, stressing that the SLPP would never betray the country or the party for short-term benefits, privileges, or positions.

Rajapaksa also said that he is prepared for any challenge in the future. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the government hopes to provide hospital facilities to cater to the mental health needs of the Northern Province, matching the healthcare standards of the West.

“Ragama Hospital was established to treat those disabled by the war and individuals with mental health issues. We have endeavoured to provide a similar modern facility for the people in this war-affected area,” the President said. 

President Ranil Wickremasinghe further expressed his pleasure in seeing the projects he initiated as Prime Minister in 2017 to elevate the health service in the Northern Province come to fruition.  

He highlighted that the Northern Province now boasts modern hospitals and emphasized his goal of making the region’s health services as advanced as those in the Western Province.

The President made these comments addressing an event to unveil the Medical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Center at Mankulam Base Hospital, which was constructed with the assistance of the Government of Netherlands at a cost of Rs.4, 500 million.

This is the largest medical rehabilitation therapy and mental health development centre in the Northern Province, featuring a psychiatric rehabilitation unit, an emergency unit, a surgery, a laboratory, a radiology unit, an outpatient department, and an intensive care unit.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s full statement: 

At the opening of this medical unit today, it is important to mention the background. After the war ended in 2009, the government at that time began the foundational work to restore services that had been halted in the Northern Province due to the conflict.

The first phase of this work was completed, but further progress required a second phase. As Prime Minister, I discussed with the Government of the Netherlands the establishment of new medical units to enhance the health sector in the Northern Province. The Minister of Health and the former Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council were actively involved in these efforts.

Before the war, Jaffna had become the best health centre after Colombo. As the Western Province developed, so did the Southern and Central Provinces. My goal is to restore the Northern Province to that level of excellence. This is why these hospitals are given special attention.

In 2017, as Prime Minister, I allocated funds for establishing the Faculty of Medicine at Jaffna University and constructing the necessary building for it. Today, I have the opportunity to attend its opening. Upon assuming the office of President, I ensured that these projects were completed promptly. Now, the Northern Province boasts modern hospitals.

We have decided to elevate Jaffna Hospital to a national hospital. Additionally, we are working to develop Mannar Hospital, transform Vavuniya Hospital into a teaching hospital, and provide a medical faculty to Vavuniya University. Mankulam Hospital, equipped with modern machines, is the only hospital after Ragama Hospital to have such advanced facilities.

Ragama Hospital was established to treat those disabled by the war and individuals with mental health issues. We have endeavoured to provide a similar modern facility for the people in this war-affected area.

Many hospitals in Sri Lanka lack the equipment that the four hospitals in the Northern Province now possess. It is crucial to protect these devices, and hospital administration and management must take the initiative. Cuba excels in health services due to its excellent hospital administration and management. 

Therefore, efforts should be made to elevate our hospital management and administration standards. The World Health Organization and the Asian Development Fund can provide the necessary allocations for this purpose. Through these efforts, we aim to establish a high-quality health service in the country. (Newswire)

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