President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed security forces to accelerate the return of private and state lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces that were appropriated during the armed conflict but are no longer deemed necessary for military purposes.

President Dissanayake convened discussions at the Parliamentary Complex to address the long-standing issue of land acquisition in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. During the armed conflict, extensive tracts of both private land and state property were commandeered to establish military installations. The President has now instructed relevant authorities to expedite the identification and release of these holdings where security requirements no longer justify their retention.

While reaffirming that national security considerations remain central to governance, the President emphasized that decisions regarding military land requirements rest with the Tri-Forces, the Police, and other security agencies. He instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive final determination of which lands can be safely returned and which must continue to be held for security purposes. The approach will balance protective necessities against the needs of displaced communities.

The President stressed the importance of adopting a community-focused methodology when assessing land requirements, with the goal of restoring the maximum feasible area to affected populations. Beyond simple land restoration, he has tasked the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation with developing livelihood initiatives for returning landholders. These projects are intended to incorporate contemporary agricultural methods that enhance productivity and establish sustainable economic opportunities for communities regaining access to their former holdings.