(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – “An effective program with strong objectives will be implemented to develop production through cultivating vacant lands that are cultivable”, says President Maithripala Sirisena.
The President was speaking at a ceremony to present ‘Ranbimaka Urumaya’ (Right for a Golden Land) deeds and grant documents by ensuring the land rights of the people in Hambantota District. The ceremony was held yesterday (16thMarch) at the new conference hall in Hambantota.
The President pointed out that the lands in the country should be utilized correctly for the process of production as an agricultural country. He said it is important to alleviate poverty.
He requested all politicians not to act partially when giving the right for lands which is a human right.
“The development program today is carried out not according to a personal political agenda but through a development process for the entire country.
He further stated that the consensual government today is moving forward giving an example to the world. “The importance of this will be discussed tomorrow though it may not be discussed today”, he said.
It is planned to distribute 10,000 title deeds in this year, giving legal rights to land, to the low- to middle-income farming communities as well as for the farmers who illegally occupied these lands and cultivated them for long periods of time in the Hambantota District. They have been given the right to continue the use of land for their residential and agricultural purposes under the Land Development Ordinance. Today, under its first phase 2,946 title deeds were distributed among the recipients.
The President, marking the event presented title deeds to several beneficiaries representing Ambalantota, Angunakolapelessa, Tangalle, Walasmulla, Weeraketiya, Katuwana and Mahaweli area.
Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena opened the newly built Ambalantota Cultural Centre constructed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs.