However no decision has been taken to reduce the strength of the armed forces in North, Army Spokesperson Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera had said at a media briefing yesterday.
With the end of 30 year Tamil tiger war, security forces were engaged in development projects in the Island.
Jayaweera was quoted saying that 20,000 skilled personnel were recruited to assist these development project around the island.
The previous government which was under former president Mahinda Rajapaksa imposed a restriction on foreigners and foreign organizations visiting the North requiring them to obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of Defense (MOD) last year.
"Since there is no war situation in the country and the life of the community is normal, it was decided to remove restrictions imposed on foreigners," the MOD was quoted in a statement.
MOD said the decision was taken by the P