Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary, Kamal Gunaratne, said that military bases in the North-East will remain as they are for "national security" purposes, Colombo Page reports.
"The security forces should be in right places to safeguard the country. Military camps will not be removed compromising national security by listening to requests from any parties" Gunaratne told a media conference.
It has been over a decade since the armed conflict came to an end, however, the Sri Lankan army, navy, and air force, continue to occupy private land that is owned and was used by Tamil civilians.
Tens of thousands of Sri Lankan soldiers are still stationed across the North-East, where Tamil politicians and civil society organisations have criticised their intrusion into civilian activities, including education, tourism and administration.
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