President assures to release political prisoners & occupied civilian lands in North

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing an election rally in Jaffna yesterday. Pix: PMD

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured the North to release the political prisoners detained under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and military occupied civilian lands in Jaffna. 

Addressing an election rally of ruling National Peoples' Power (NPP) yesterday in Pasaiyoor, Jaffna, President Dissanayake said the Tamil prisoners who have been languishing in jails for several years will be released following recommendation from the Attorney General department. 

The civilian lands that are under military custody for security reasons will be returned in the district as well, the President assured. 

He also alleged that past leaders in the South come to the North seeking for votes while the NPP is committed to develop the whole country with the support of all the communities.

"They (Southern politicians) divided us on so many grounds to do politics. But currently, we are all together to develop the country," President said. 

The President also assured more relief for both farmers and fishermen communities in the upcoming Budget that will be submitted to the House soon after new Parliament convenes later this month. 

President Dissanayake also indicated that current Jaffna District organizer of Peoples' Liberation Front (JVP) R. Chandrasekar will be appointed to the Parliament as a National List MP in the next Parliament as well. (Northeastern Monitor/ Nov 11/2024)