The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, an important motion has been brought. As a Government, within weeks of assuming office we initiated actions to release lands, particularly in the Northern Province. Likewise, we are proceeding to release lands acquired in other areas including the Eastern Province. We have discussed this in our District Coordinating Committee meetings in Trincomalee and Batticaloa and have taken steps in line with decisions reached. Some matters are progressing slowly — we all know we inherited a system that had ossified over decades. Nevertheless, as a Government we are firmly committed to releasing such lands to the people. There is no divergence on this.

¶ 02 As recently as yesterday, I spoke personally with the Secretary of Defence on this issue; he fully supports it. The President and the Deputy Minister of Defence and all concerned wish these lands to be released to the people so they can be regularized in favour of the rightful owners.

¶ 03 To Hon. Shanakiyan, I also note: pursuant to a recent District Coordinating Committee decision, the former Divisional Secretary wrote to the Land Commissioner General. We know there are documentary issues. However, as a Government, we are obliged to provide solutions by issuing deeds on an outright grant basis without any lease for these people. There may have been some communication errors; we will rectify them and ensure that documents for these lands are issued to the people as soon as possible.

¶ 04 This applies not only to these particular lands but broadly to lands taken during the war by the armed forces. Actions are underway now to release them expeditiously so people can resettle on their own lands. We have also requested a public report. Whether public buildings or other properties are involved, they will be released and people’s rights restored without delay. We humbly seek the support of Members to give further impetus to these programmes. Thank you.