The Sri Lankan Army has announced that it will withdraw its long-standing military camp in the Kakkovalam area of Vadamarachchi, Jaffna, by November 30. The camp, established 38 years ago during the civil war, was built on eight acres of private land that had been abandoned when local residents fled the area due to the conflict.
The decision to vacate the camp follows sustained requests from the government and the original landowners, who have sought to reclaim their property. The three landowners have pushed for the return of their land, which has remained under military control for nearly four decades.
The camp, built to secure the area during the war, currently includes permanent buildings and substantial agricultural developments. However, the Army has confirmed that only vehicles and personnel will be removed, leaving the buildings and crops untouched. The owners will regain possession of the land along with these structures.
This move is part of broader efforts to address longstanding land issues in the Northern Province, where large tracts of private land were taken over by the military during the civil war. The decision is seen as a step toward reconciliation and the restoration of civilian ownership in former conflict zones.
Residents and civil society groups have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a victory for property rights and a sign of progress in rebuilding trust between the military and local communities. The return of this land is expected to encourage further discussions about similar military-held lands in the region.
