The Hon. (Dr.) Susil Ranasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Member, your point is correct. As the Deputy Minister handling this subject, I have discussed this with the LRC. Your first question was how much land the LRC actually has. I did not receive a proper answer. Information is lacking and there is complexity. For example, when land is vested in the LRC saying there are 10 acres in lot “Paniruwe,” once measured, it may be less; in other cases, it is more. So there is complexity in determining the actual extent vested in the LRC.

¶ 02 Also, due to the lack of proper records and poor institutional functioning, there are irregularities. The LRC often does not even know exactly what lands it holds. Some lands are leased for up to 30 years, and after many years, the LRC has no reports on their current status. That is the situation the institution has fallen into. Therefore, regularization is essential, and we are intervening to do that.

¶ 03 As you said, funds from the LRC were used for an organic fertilizer project. It was initiated by a Cabinet decision, and its suspension too was by a Cabinet decision after it proved unsuccessful. A committee has been appointed to inquire into the project’s failure and the malpractices that took place. We acknowledge the committee has been slow, and we are taking steps on that as well.

¶ 04 You are right: from the very top, the “game” has been with land—acquiring land, giving it to friends, selling, taking commissions. Land is a key driver of these problems. We are acting on these and regularizing the institution.

¶ 05 Further, we have appointed a committee to examine, from 2015 to date, to whom LRC lands were granted, on what basis, and whether the stated projects materialized. Accordingly, we have temporarily suspended new land alienations for three months. We will investigate and are prepared to take legal action. That is how we are proceeding regarding the LRC.