July 14, Kilinochchi: Sri Lankan government for the first time in history of the country held a Cabinet meeting today in the former Tamil Tiger stronghold of Kilinochchi in war-battered Northern Province.

The Cabinet meeting was held at the Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Cabinet Secretary, government officials and the Presidential and Ministerial Security Division made arrangements to hold the meeting in Kilinochchi following the decision made to hold Cabinet meetings in different Provinces.

The Cabinet usually meets once a week at the Temple Trees in Colombo.

Today's Cabinet meeting was especially focused on the development in the Northern Province to provide livelihoods to the resettled people and to boost the economy in the region.

Following the Cabinet meeting the President reviewed the progress of the development work in the Kilinochchi District. The President is also scheduled to address a public rally in Iranamadu this evening.

Sri Lankan forces liberated Kilinochchi from the LTTE in January 2009 following a fierce battle. The rebels had their administrative center in Kilinochchi.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)