Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils Dr. Nihal Jayathilleke said that the elections for Puthukudiyiruppu Pradeshiya Sabha and Maritime Pattu Pradeshiya Sabha could not be conducted as these areas had not been de-mined.

As soon as demining is completed and the demining certificate assuring safety in the area is issued, the Election Commissioner will call for nominations, the Secretary said.

The demining activities in the area are in progress now. Over 1,200 engineers from the Sri Lanka Army are engaged in the demining work.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development, mine clearing in 96 villages In Mullaitivu District has been completed and demining is in progress in another 110 villages. There are 218 villages yet to be demined.