The President said that as a new Government many steps have already been taken to resolve problems faced by people, adding that the Government is committed to building peace and reconciliation among Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities while eradicating the mistrust, fear and suspicion among communities.

He made these observations today (23) participating in a ceremony to distribute title deeds of lands in the former High Security Zones being returned to the original owners. As the first step 425 acres of land were handed over to the rightful owners at  today’s function.

“The government has been given high priority to resolve land issues of the people in the North and East”, the President further said.

The President pointed out that issues on lands have caused public uprisings and revolutions as well as critical political issues in the world. Therefore, politicians should give topmost priority to solve the problems on lands among people, he said.

President Sirisena stated that today the Government is not only giving the lands back to the people in North, but also providing all facilities to create a better environment for the people and their children to live in contentment.

The President said the Government is now implementing a programme to rebuild the religious places in the Eastern and Northern Provinces, devastated by war. He emphasized he would give the opportunity to the people in those areas to live in a good environment, ending their period of difficulties.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Ministers M.K.D.S. Gunawardana, D.M Swaminathan, Deputy Minister vijayakala maheswaran, Governor of Northern Province, H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Chief Minister of the Northern Province, C. V. Vigneswaran and other dignitaries also participated in the event.(PRIU)