The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Land Reforms Commission (LRC) has many issues. By Cabinet decision, we have appointed a committee to investigate land allocations and use since 2015, and to report within three months. Until then, new LRC allocations are temporarily suspended. We recognize this causes difficulties to agencies and projects, but investigations are necessary.

¶ 02 Regarding the seasonal issue, heavy rains have led to many Department of Irrigation tanks spilling and flooding. In Ampara District, bund weaknesses along Gal Oya have submerged large acreages. The Department reports rain is easing; around 3,000 acres are inundated. Water levels are now receding. We will intervene through the Irrigation Department, and the District Coordinating Committee and Disaster Management Centre are acting. If needed, the District Coordinating Committee Chairman, our Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyathissa, can provide more details.