Release of land gets UNHRC approval: Govt.

Release of lands under military control has attracted the attention of the UNHRC, and contains positive comments in the Resolution to be presented at the forthcoming sessions, an official said yesterday. 

Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development Minister and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament that the draft Resolution commends the Government initiative to release land back to its rightful owners in the North.

Minister Kiriella, expressing his views on the Government decision in response to a statement made by Opposition lawmaker Dinesh Gunawardena, said: “The draft Resolution will be submitted before the UN Human Rights Council on the 20th of this month. This Resolution has commended the release of the Northern lands. Facing the international community at the forthcoming UNHRC meeting will make no changes to the prevailing status of Sri Lanka, and the international community will continue to accept the positive status of the country.”

According to reports, the Army has released over 69,000 acres of land that were used by military activities in the North and the East of the country, following the end of the war in 2009. With the demining and relocating of military camps, more lands are expected to be released soon. (AH)