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10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Wednesday, 22 January 2025

10th Parliament· 16 debates· 152 speeches· 63 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1739261035021938 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  6. 6 Oral question Oral Question: Lands Owned by Land Reform Commission - Fraudulent Acquisition (Q.4/2025) 9 speeches
    • Mr. Speaker procedural
      Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Rohana Bandara asked the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation to provide details on the establishment date and objectives of the Land Reform Commission. He also sought confirmation on whether the Minister is aware of alleged fraudulent acquisition of Commission-owned lands by individuals or institutions, and requested information on measures being taken to protect those lands.

      Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister, responding on behalf of the Minister, outlined the establishment and statutory objectives of the Land Reform Commission under the Land Reform Act, No. 1 of 1972, including land ceiling limits of 25 acres for paddy land and 50 acres for other agricultural land. He confirmed that legal action has been initiated in several districts to recover Commission lands allegedly acquired or occupied unlawfully, citing cases in Gampaha, Matara, Kalutara, Kandy and Trincomalee. He added that island-wide action is continuing under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act, with some matters before courts, police, or the Attorney-General.

      Land & HousingAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Hon. Rohana Bandara questioned the lack of accurate records on the total extent of land held by the Land Reform Commission and asked for a study to be conducted and reported to Parliament. He raised concerns over alleged irregularities involving LRC-funded compost fertilizer projects, especially in Anuradhapura, and the alienation of LRC lands to associates, retired military officers, and businessmen. He asked whether the Government, given its anti-corruption pledges, would investigate these matters and take action against those responsible.

      Corruption & Governance ReformLand & HousingAgriculture Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said the Land Reform Commission lacks reliable records on the extent, leasing, and current status of its lands, creating irregularities and requiring institutional regularization. He stated that the failed organic fertilizer project funded through the LRC is under inquiry following Cabinet decisions, though the committee’s work has been slow. He also said a committee is reviewing LRC land grants from 2015 onward, new land alienations have been suspended for three months, and legal action will be considered where wrongdoing is found.

      Land & HousingCorruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. Rohana Bandara

      AI summary Rohana Bandara requested clarification on the status of accelerated land title issuance, noting that under the previous Government’s “Urumaya” programme people with existing permits such as Jayabhumi or Swarnabhumi had surrendered them in anticipation of receiving freehold deeds. He highlighted this as a significant issue in Anuradhapura and across the country, and sought information from the Deputy Minister on the matter.

      Land & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe said issuance of LRC permits for small residential lots has been paused due to ongoing inquiries into LRC lands, but the investigations concern large project lands rather than ordinary residential titles. He expressed regret to affected applicants and stated that the backlog of individual residential permits would be fast-tracked and released soon. He also said the Urumaya free grant programme has raised concerns because grants issued without conditions may enable misuse, sale, or transfer of land, and that officials have advised considering alternatives. He noted that about 27,000 Urumaya deeds have been issued, many applications remain pending, and expert advice is being taken before further title issuance steps are finalized.

      Public FinanceLand & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. Gayantha Karunathilleka SJB

      AI summary Gayantha Karunathilleka said the Land Reform Commission’s inability to identify the extent of land it holds is a serious issue. He recalled that under the 50-acre law and related constitutional determinations, about 500–600 historically entitled families were to receive land, and said efforts during his tenure as Land Minister were not completed after the government changed. He urged the Government to resolve the matter quickly, noting that many lawful occupants have been left destitute.

      Land & Housing Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe stated that the Government is considering a structured process for issuing land titles and lands to all landowners connected to the Land Reform Commission, not only the specific owners under discussion. He emphasized that the process would be carried out in an orderly manner.

      Land & Housing Full speech →