Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.) chaired a civil-military coordination meeting at the Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat on Sunday to discuss long-standing land disputes and regional development in the Northern Province.
Talks centred on two areas: Keppapilavu, where land is occupied by the Sri Lanka Army, and Vadduvakkal, where land is used by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Jayasekara told the meeting that lasting stability in the region depends on striking a balance between national security requirements and the resolution of outstanding land issues, covering both state-owned and privately owned property. After briefings from government officials and security forces commanders, he instructed the relevant authorities to adopt what he described as a coordinated, practical and people-centred approach that does not compromise national security.
The meeting brought together Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Vanni District MP Dr. Sellaththamby Thilaganathan, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, army and navy commanders, district secretaries and residents.
Residents were given an opportunity to put their concerns directly to the deputy minister in an open forum. According to the Ministry of Defence, many welcomed the format and said they hoped it would lead to a resolution.
Jayasekara also praised the role of the armed forces in disaster response and community service work, saying their presence contributes to both security and public welfare. Government representatives directed all agencies involved to work together on identifying lasting solutions to the issues raised.
Context
The two areas named at the meeting are among the most contested in the north. Keppapilavu residents staged a May Day protest this year demanding the return of 171 acres seized by the military in 2009 — 59.5 acres of residential land and 111 acres of agricultural land. At that protest, residents said appeals made through the Presidential Secretariat and the Mullaitivu District Secretariat had produced no meaningful progress.
Similar disputes are running elsewhere in the Northern Province, including at Palaly in Valikamam North.
No timeline for the release of any specific plot at Keppapilavu or Vadduvakkal was announced at Sunday’s meeting.
