Deputy Minister of Defence Inspects Lands Used by the Armed Forces in Trincomalee

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), recently conducted an inspection visit to several areas in Trincomalee on 2 June. The visit focused on state owned and privately owned lands currently used by the Armed Forces, as part of ongoing efforts to review land related matters and support government initiatives aimed at addressing civilian concerns.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister assessed the current status of such lands and received briefings from senior military officers and relevant officials on security and administrative aspects associated with the properties.

Following the field inspection, a productive discussion on lands, livelihoods and security in Trincomalee was held at the Governor's Secretariat Office on the following day.

The discussion was attended by the Hon. Governor of the Eastern Province, Dr. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Mr. Arun Hemachandra, the Commander of the Air Force accompanied by senior tri forces officials, the Additional Government Agent, Divisional Secretaries, and other relevant officials from government authorities.

The discussion focused on the need for a balanced and practical approach to address land related concerns, protect the livelihoods of the people, and ensure that national security requirements are managed with proper coordination.

Moreover, it was discussed on the illegal activities occurring along the coast, as well as around the airfield, port, and critical infrastructure including the oil farm and the dockyard by fishermen and villagers living in the vicinity of the state owned and privately owned lands currently used by the military.

It was also agreed to continue working closely with all relevant institutions to find practical solutions for the people of the Eastern Province.