The Government has made arrangements for the farmers who own paddy lands in the Ariyalai East High Security Zone (HSZ) to commence their cultivation activities.

Earlier public access was restricted in the area due to security concerns.

The security forces have confirmed that the present security situation is satisfactory and the farmers can be allowed to engage in cultivation.

According to the Army Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQJ), farmers have been allowed to cultivate 103 acres of land that lies between the Ariyalai railway track and Jaffna-Kandy road (A-9) from August17, Ministry of Defence announced.

Farmers, after obtaining a special identity card from the security officers, have been allowed to engage in their livelihood activities in the area since yesterday. Accordingly 73 farmers commenced their work.