INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the confirmation of land rights for the people, ensuring avenues for progress.The President
land deeds were bestowed upon the residents of the Jaffna district.A total of 1286 freehold deeds, encompassing all 15 Divisional
Secretariat divisions within the Jaffna district, were distributed to the people, with the President symbolically participating in the
Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, and Mannar districts of the Northern Province.During his address at the ceremony, President Ranil Wickremesinghe
announced the revival of the Northern Province housing project, stalled by the recent economic downturn, commencing next year
privatization endeavour.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, elaborating further, also emphasized the initiation of a program aimed at providing
This strategic augmentation will enable us to execute this program with utmost efficiency moving forward.The land issue has
disproportionately impacted the Northern and Eastern Provinces, affecting not only those settled on government lands but also individuals
who lost their land during the conflict
There are two critical issues requiring resolution, as discussed with representatives from the North and East regions on numerous
occasions.In collaboration with the security forces, all lands within protected areas have been released and restored to the public
Furthermore, instructions have been issued to the security forces to retain only the necessary land and return the surplus to civilian
use.Addressing the matter of land acquired from the Forestry Department, this issue extends beyond the North East, encompassing the Southern
As a policy decision, we have opted to classify areas identified as forests in the 1985 map as such, while considering the remaining lands
Discussions are underway, and directives have been issued to relinquish certain lands.Significant portions of land are also under the
control of the Department of Archaeology
The government has resolved to return these lands, excluding those essential for archaeological endeavours
Hence, efforts are underway to facilitate the release of all such lands.Furthermore, there has been a substantial reduction in the size of
the high-security zone in Jaffna
The Ministry of Defence has opted to release additional lands following a specialized survey
Moreover, a portion of the land belonging to religious sites within the high-security zone has already been relinquished
These measures are aimed at affirming the land rights of all citizens and fostering avenues for progress.Additionally, owing to the economic
challenges of the past two years, the residents of this province have faced difficulties in securing funds for much-needed housing
However, I am pleased to announce that this initiative will resume next year
The allocation of freehold deeds can be regarded as the largest privatization effort in our nation.While countries like Japan and Korea have
not granted free land rights to their citizens, opting instead for subsidized purchasing options, our country is committed to providing free
This distinction underscores our dedication to empowering our people through land ownership.We have successfully executed this program
spanning from Point Pedro to Dewundara Thuduwa and from Batticaloa to Negombo.The people of Sri Lanka, irrespective of their ethnicity or
faith, have historically cherished land ownership
Today, you have been granted that privilege
I urge you to recognize the importance of safeguarding this land and ensuring its transmission to future generations.In attendance at this
event were Minister Douglas Devananda, Members of Parliament Dharmalingam Siddharan and M A Sumanthiran, PC, Northern Province Governor P S
M Charles, Former Member of Parliament Vijayakala Maheswaran, Jaffna District Secretary Maradalingam Prathipan, Senior Additional Secretary
to the President Chandra Herath, and various other dignitaries.--PMD--
