The Hon. Mayilvaganam Jegatheeswaran

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, in the Vavunativu Divisional Secretariat area, the lands of the villages of Thimilativu, Valaiyiravu, Sethukuda, Pudur and Thirupperunthurai were acquired in 1985 for the expansion of Batticaloa Airport. Some compensation was paid to certain owners based on then valuations, and others were provided State lands on a lease basis.

¶ 02 Some who received such lease lands fell into arrears on lease payments. Due to decades of war and displacement, some people lost their land documents, though steps have been taken through the District Secretariat Land Division and the Divisional Secretariat to reissue documents. Using the records held in the kachcheris, measures are underway to provide alternative permissions and to regularize the provision of alternative lands. We expect to resolve these issues expeditiously.

¶ 03 Looking ahead to establishing Batticaloa Airport as an international-standard airport, we also anticipate plans for transport, tourism, industry and export sectors to benefit nearby communities, ensuring public access compatible with national security. Problems left unresolved by successive governments for 40 years — including the 2015 “good governance” administration — will be resolved swiftly during our Government’s tenure.

¶ 04 Across the country, especially in the North and East, the Hon. President is keen to release lands used by the forces. Through District Development Committees and District Secretaries, particularly in the Vanni — Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu — lands under the three forces and the Police are to be released in stages. The Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has asked us to obtain details immediately and take all necessary steps. As Vanni Members of Parliament, we will lead efforts to release all lands that ought fairly to be released, with the full cooperation of the President and the Government. Thank you.