Accordingly, the Ministry has started a study on the land in the High Security Zones of Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The civilians who resided in the lands now taken under High Security Zones have been asked to submit their proof to the ownership of lands to the Divisional Secretaries of the area, the Ministry said.

These lands were acquired by Sri Lanka Army for High Security Zones and the Ministry says that the land that is needed to be retained will be acquired and the owners will be compensated.

The Lesson Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has recommended the government to review the existing High Security Zones, as well as small extents of private land currently utilized for security purposes, with a view to release more land while keeping national security needs in perspective.

It recommended provision of alternate lands and or payment of compensation within a specific time frame if the government occupied lands cannot be released to the owners.