Security Forces occupied lands for rightful owners

A discussion was held at Jaffna District Secretariat on November 18 chaired by Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda concerning the returning of houses and property and public places in Jaffna district, at present occupied by the Security Forces and Police, to the rightful owners.

The Divisional Secretaries presented to the minster details pertaining to private and public properties occupied by the Army, Navy and Police in their respective administrative areas. The minister and the Government Agent after having examined the details discussed with the top officials of the Armed Forces and Police the measures needed to be taken for returning the premises so occupied.

Accordingly, it was decided to return whatever properties that could be immediately vacated without jeopardizing the security of the public and for the Armed Forces and Police to pay an increased rent to the owners of the properties commensurate with the government assessment and also to set up police stations in places more convenient to the public.

The minister instructed the Divisional Secretaries to submit to the Government Agent the details of the properties belonging to the Police as well.