Secretary to the Ministry of Defence B.M.U.D Basnayake undertook his first formal visit to the North during the weekend (July 18 - 19), together with tri-service Commanders.

 

The itinerary commenced with his arrival at the Security Force Headquarters - Jaffna (SFHQ-J) Saturday (18) morning to be warmly received by Major General Nandana Udawatte, Commander, SFHQ-J at the Palaly airport. A drive-past Guard Turnout greeted him in accordance with military traditions.

 

Afterwards, a Guard of Honour, presented by 1 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps troops at the SFHQ-J premises saluted the visiting Defence Secretary.

 

Major General Nandana Udawatte afterwards presented a briefing on the current situation in regard to release of lands in the High Security Zones to the rightful owners of the general public. In addition, Navy and Air Force Commanders in the Jaffna area gave separate briefings on their roles and tasks to the Secretary at the same occasion.

 

Afterwards, Basnayake joined an all rank tea table where hundreds of service personnel were present to greet the visiting Secretary. A tree sapling was planted later on at the SFHQ-J to mark his visit. He also signed the visitors’ book at the SFHQ-J.

 

Later in the evening, the Defence Secretary sat down with a delegation from the Ministry of Resettlement, Reconstruction and Hindu Affairs for a review on recent resettlement programmes of displaced persons in the North.

(news.lk)