“Settlement of existing land related issues by a National Commission on Lands and Settlements”
No information is publicly available regarding the steps that have been taken to implement a National Commission on Lands and Settlements.
Despite public statements being made regarding returning plots of land that were taken over by security forces and other state-owned agencies during the war, the ground realities demonstrate continuing challenges faced by locals in accessing these areas.
On 28th March 2025, the NPP government issued a Gazette in terms of Section 4 of the Land Settlement Ordinance, identifying lands in the Northern province to be claimed as State land if the owners of such lands do not claim before June 28 2025. (Tamil Guardian)
Concerns are raised surrounding the process and how this will impact those who may not be aware of such a notice or have the necessary documentation.
The gazette notification, which was due to come into effect on the 28th of June 2025, was formally revoked on the 25th of June 2025.
A high-level meeting was convened on the 28th of October 2025 at the office of the Deputy Minister of Defence in Colombo to review progress and address ongoing challenges related to the release of private lands situated within the Jaffna-Palali area to their rightful owners. Discussions focused on resolving operational and administrative hurdles, particularly reviewing the military’s phased withdrawal to expedite the handover of remaining private lands. The deliberations also covered the finalization of new boundary alignments aimed at minimizing the impact on civilian properties while ensuring the continued protection of essential defence installations. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/High-Level-discussion-on-releasing-lands-utilized-by-the-military/108-323589
