News Today: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Ensures Justice: Returning Land to Rightful Owners

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to return all disputed lands in the Northern Province to their rightful owners, ensuring justice and fairness for the affected people. He made this statement at the Jaffna District Coordination Committee (DCC) Meeting held at the Jaffna District Secretariat yesterday.

The President emphasized that the land belongs to the people and must be returned without delay. He confirmed that a thorough review is underway to expedite the resolution of long-standing land disputes in the region. Additionally, he stated that the Jaffna President’s House will be re-purposed for a meaningful project to benefit the people, inviting officials to submit relevant proposals.

Addressing War-Displaced Families and Job Vacancies

The government is actively investigating reports of war-displaced families still residing in the Northern Province. President Dissanayake noted that a committee led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister has identified approximately 30,000 vacancies in state institutions. He assured that these vacancies will be filled through a transparent recruitment process, providing opportunities for university graduates and Tamil-speaking youth, particularly in the Police Department.

Boosting Transportation and Infrastructure Development

The government has planned a major overhaul of the transportation system in the Northern Province, including:

• A joint bus operation between the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private bus operators.
• An increase in train service frequency to improve connectivity in the region.
• Establishment of three new industrial zones in Paranthan, Mankulam, and Kankesanthurai to enhance employment and economic growth.

Encouraging Investment and Tourism Growth

With Sri Lanka expecting 2.5 million tourists next year, the government will identify and promote new tourist attractions in the Northern Province. President Dissanayake has invited Sri Lankans who fled during the war to invest in these projects, aiming to boost economic development and job creation in the region.

Strengthening Public Services and Fisheries Industry

The President assured that state-sector recruitments in the Northern Province will be free from political interference. He further emphasized the importance of resolving fisheries-related disputes through diplomatic interventions, safeguarding the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Improving Water Supply in the Northern Province

Currently, the Northern Province has the lowest consumption of piped drinking water in Sri Lanka. In response, the government has allocated funds in the upcoming budget to expedite ongoing water supply projects and launch new initiatives, ensuring improved access to clean drinking water.

Commitment to Regional Development

President Dissanayake reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening education, healthcare, transportation, and agriculture in the Northern Province. He called for collaborative efforts between political authorities and state institutions to uplift the region and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The Jaffna District Coordination Committee meeting was attended by several key figures, including Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Transport Bimal Rathnayake, Members of Parliament from NPP, ITAK, and AITC, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam, Jaffna District Secretary M. Pradeepan, senior military officials, and other government representatives.

With these strategic initiatives, the government is ensuring justice, development, and long-term stability for the Northern Province and its people.