Deputy Defence Minister chairs special meeting to resolve land issues faced by war heroes

A special meeting took place at the Ministry of Defence led by Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The meeting aimed to address land issues reported by the Ranaviru Seva Authority and the Directorate of Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Services that affect war heroes and their families, with a goal to find quick solutions. To honor the contributions of war heroes, the government has set up a program, supported by the Ministry of Defence, to provide land plots through the Land Reform Commission. As part of this initiative, land was allocated in Meegodawatta and Palendagoda in the Homagama area, Yatadolawatta in Matugama, and Maduruketiya Watta in Monaragala, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. The meeting primarily focused on the current problems related to these land allocations. Key discussions included the legal title documents needed to confirm ownership for the war heroes, along with issues of unauthorized farming by others and illegal occupation of the lands. The Deputy Minister stressed that it is important to take necessary legal and administrative steps to solve the land issues faced by war heroes and their families, recognizing the sacrifices they made for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and peace. He directed the relevant authorities to act quickly and appropriately on these matters. Officials present at the meeting included the Additional Secretary for Defence Services, the Director General and Regional Directors of the Land Reform Commission (LRC), and senior officers, including the Deputy Director of Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Services from the Sri Lanka Army, as mentioned by the Ministry.