Srilanka, June 28 -- Releasing privately owned lands in Sri Lanka's Northern Province that remain under the control of the Security Forces is now being expedited, senior Defence Ministry top brass told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

The authorities are working to resolve long-standing delays linked to difficulties in verifying ownership deeds in Palaly and the wider Jaffna High Security Zone (HSZ), following instructions from Deputy Defence Minister Major General (Rtd) Aruna Jayasekara, a Defence Ministry official said.

Responding to a query on when the affected families can expect the return of lands in the HSZ that have remained under the control of the Sri Lanka Army, Air Force, Navy and the Police for decades on grounds of strategi...