Gazette issued to keep armed forces on alert despite heavy militarisation of North-East

<p>President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a gazette calling on Sri Lanka's&nbsp;armed forces to maintain law and order with effect from today despite heavy militarisation&nbsp;of the North-East.&nbsp;</p> <p>The armed conflict&nbsp;ended a decade&nbsp;ago but the Sri Lankan&nbsp;army, navy, and air force, continue to occupy private land that is owned and was used by Tamil civilians.&nbsp;</p> <p>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&nbsp;activities, including education, tourism and administration.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Sri Lankan President&nbsp;issued the gazette&nbsp;by virtue of the powers vested in him by Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>