The Hon. K.D. Lal Kantha - Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation

¶ 01 You too highlighted this—rightly so. Some officials, as well as Government and Opposition Members, suggested appointing a task-oriented working group to expedite this. That is a valuable proposal; no issue.

¶ 02 As I said, we will also issue those already signed by the former President—no problem. However, there is a considerable number he did not sign but had been taken up; that is now the biggest issue for the public. For those, we will obtain letters and consent from co-residents and issue deeds swiftly. We have prepared a plan to complete that within six months. We now have the basic green light required, so I won’t take more time.

¶ 03 I thank Hon. Ajith P. Perera for bringing this motion. We will also consider Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara’s points. If the circular has anything contrary to the Cabinet decision, we will certainly amend it. The circular was framed on the basis of “permits issued,” as he stated. We will examine it. There is no issue with this motion.