Sri Lanka, Nov. 3 -- Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi told Parliament today that the Government is aiming to release as much State-held land in the Northern Province as possible before the end of this year.

He said a Cabinet-appointed committee had identified lands currently held by the State and that steps would be taken to release those that could be handed over before the year-end.

The Minister said the process had been delayed due to a lack of cooperation from certain State institutions in some districts.

He also stressed that unauthorised construction or land clearing would not be permitted on lands currently under State control.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka....