The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 GRANT OF FREEHOLD DEEDS TO OCCUPANTS OF STATE LANDS

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, at the adjournment, I move the following:

¶ 03 “Whereas Sri Lankan citizens who currently occupy and have developed State lands under permits and grants issued under the Land Development Ordinance, No. 19 of 1935, lack ‘absolute title’ to those lands, giving rise to social and economic issues; and whereas the ‘Urumaya’ freehold deed programme implemented by the previous Government was suspended after the present Government assumed office; and whereas, by Cabinet decision dated 21.07.2025, the new Government has proposed a new process titled ‘Himikama’ to issue freehold deeds for State lands; and whereas the Circular No. 2025/02 dated 14.10.2025 issued by the Commissioner General of Lands includes conditions contrary to and/or not set out in the recommendations of the ‘Review Committee Report’ approved by Cabinet on 21.07.2025; and whereas issuing that Circular is unlawful and unjust,

¶ 04 1. That the ‘Himikama’ programme be implemented strictly in accordance with the recommendations of the ‘Review Committee Report’ approved by Cabinet on 21.07.2025;

¶ 05 2. That steps be taken to amend Circular No. 2025/02 dated 14.10.2025 of the Commissioner General of Lands to conform to the Cabinet decision;

¶ 06 3. That a Special Task Force be appointed to expedite the issuance of freehold deeds to occupants of State lands;

¶ 07 4. That the 23,018 freehold deeds already prepared and signed by the former President under the ‘Urumaya’ programme be immediately distributed to the respective landholders.

¶ 08 I so move.”

¶ 09 Citizens have long occupied State lands under permits and developed them—whether highland, paddy, or commercial plots. Though the paper title rests with the State, it is our citizens who have invested, cultivated and added value. Remaining perpetually under permits creates problems: you cannot subdivide without issues, you cannot sell, you cannot mortgage to a bank to raise emergency funds—even State banks hesitate—due to harsh restrictions.

¶ 10 There was a misconception that issuing freehold deeds would cause indiscriminate sales. In reality, sales already occur—of the permits themselves—through irregular paperwork facilitated in local offices, sometimes with collusion. The only difference is that such transactions now fetch low prices because permit land has diminished value in the market. Granting freehold was proposed by the previous Government under President Ranil Wickremesinghe; even in 2015 we advocated it, though we could not fully implement due to cohabitation constraints with then President Maithripala Sirisena, who feared farmers might lose land. When President Wickremesinghe gained authority, the programme began, and we appreciate that step—despite political differences—because it recognizes the people who have improved these lands, including urban agricultural or commercial lots. Properly done, this causes no loss to the State or the country; rather, it empowers families.

¶ 11 For most people, their home plot—6, 7, 10 perches—is their only asset to pass to their children. This is not only in the North, North Central or Sabaragamuwa; even in Colombo and Kalutara Districts there are extensive State lands. Those who have lawfully occupied and developed lands for generations under permits should be granted freehold. We are not speaking of releasing protected, reserved, or essential State lands needed for public projects or irrigation; only lands already developed and under valid permits.

¶ 12 After the change of Government, the ‘Urumaya’ programme halted and was renamed ‘Himikama’. That is fine. What matters is faithful implementation. The Cabinet approved the Review Committee Report on 21.07.2025. However, the Lands Commissioner General issued Circular 2025/02 on 14.10.2025 which conflicts with that decision by adding new conditions. The Commissioner General has no authority to supersede Cabinet. His Circular must conform 100% to the Cabinet-approved recommendations.

¶ 13 Some senior officials publicly oppose giving freehold, fearing sales or misuse. I consulted three senior officials in your Ministry; two supported the programme as beneficial, one opposed. Regardless, the Circular is problematic. Hence my three proposals: - Implement strictly per the Cabinet-approved Review Committee recommendations; - Amend the Circular to align accordingly; - Appoint a special task force to expedite, as delays have mounted.

¶ 14 When people receive title deeds, I have seen tears of joy. My electorate may not be the largest beneficiary, but I have witnessed this. It is a meritorious act your Government can complete. Many lands have already been surveyed and files prepared—perhaps 90%—and permits are with Divisional Secretaries. Moreover, 23,018 deeds have already been signed by the former President. Please distribute them immediately; there is no need to reprint or re-sign. The title passed on the date of signature.