Ariyalai East in the Nallur Divisional Secretariat remained a restricted area for civilians until Army Engineers cleared the area of mines laid by the LTTE.

Agriculture equipment was distributed among the farmers including thirteen hand tractors. Paddy seed were also issued free, while seventeen more hand tractors, water pumps and a stock of fertilizer were given at concessionary rates, Defence Ministry reported.

The event was organized in parallel to the grand "Vap Magula" ceremony in "Maha" season. This first ploughing or "Vap Magula" in Jaffna took place Tuesday.