Homes Can Now Be Built on Released Agricultural Lands in Valikamam North – Minister Chandrasekaran

The government has granted permission for residents to construct houses on privately owned lands in the Valikamam North resettlement area that had previously been released only for agricultural activities, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekaran has announced.

He made these remarks during a media briefing held at the National People’s Power (NPP) headquarters in Jaffna on Wednesday.

Minister Chandrasekaran said that although privately owned lands in the Valikamam North resettlement area had previously been released to their owners, the military had permitted their use only for agricultural purposes.

However, following instructions from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, landowners who require housing will now be allowed to construct homes on these privately owned lands that were previously restricted to agricultural use.

The Minister further stated that eligible residents who require assistance under government housing schemes can apply through the relevant Divisional Secretariat by following the required procedures.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be provided assistance under the government’s housing programme, he added.