Nearly 7 acres of land in Keppapilavu, Mullaitivu, previously used by security forces, have been released for public use.
The Defence Ministry said the release covers approximately 6.97 acres and forms part of the Government’s policy of progressively returning land used by security forces to its rightful owners.
For people connected to these lands, the release means an area that was previously under security force use is now being made available again. However, the announcement does not name the individual landowners or state how many families are directly affected.
Land Formally Handed Over
Officers of the Sri Lanka Army’s 59th Division formally handed over the land to the Divisional Secretary of Maritimepattu.
Mullaitivu District Secretary and Government Agent A. Umamaheswaran was present during the handover.
The land had previously been used by security forces. Its release now moves the area into the process of being made available for public use and returned to rightful owners.
Part of Wider Land Release Policy
According to the Defence Ministry, Government policy is to progressively return lands used by security forces to their rightful owners.
However, land required for essential national security purposes will remain outside the release process.
For original landowners in Keppapilavu, the key development is the formal release of the 6.97-acre area. Details about individual ownership, specific plots and when each owner will receive possession were not included in the announcement.
District Secretary Umamaheswaran appreciated the Defence Ministry, Army, Commander of the 59th Division, security authorities and other officials for their cooperation in releasing the land.
Last modified: October 22, 2026
