The Hon. Anura Karunathilaka - Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 1. In 2010, in Valikamam North DS Division, 42,699 individuals (12,376 families) were registered as displaced and not yet resettled. Subsequently, 38,693 individuals (10,981 families) were resettled in the same Division. As of now, 4,006 individuals (1,395 families) remain to be resettled in Valikamam North.

¶ 03 2. Post-2009, 23,850.72 acres were under tri-forces control. Most have been released; 2,583.05 acres remain to be released, of which 2,025.80 acres are in Valikamam North.

¶ 04 3–4. Government policy is to resettle all displaced on their original lands. Since taking office, 57.39 acres have been released to rightful owners. Remaining lands will be released in consultation with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Defence. Palaly Road has been opened to the public, improving mobility and confidence. Redevelopment of Myliddy Fishing Harbour is underway to restore its contribution to the economy and create employment. From the first NPP Budget, Rs. 1,259.568 million has been allocated in 2025 for projects in Jaffna District, including housing and infrastructure (drinking water, electricity connections, internal roads) for those resettled.

¶ 05 5–6. Resettlement progresses in tandem with land releases, subject to security clearance, administrative requirements, and availability of essential infrastructure. As the programme depends on the timing of releases, an exact completion date cannot be given. We commenced in April; by August—within five months—57 acres have been released in Jaffna District alone.