The government will issue 7,000 land deeds across the island by the end of this year, with the programme set to begin on 13 August in the Pallai Divisional Secretariat Division of the Kilinochchi District, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Dr. Susil Ranasinghe informed Parliament on Thursday (07).
Responding to a question posed by SJB Moneragala District MP, W.M.H. Dharmasena, the Deputy Minister said: “Several MPs in this House have raised questions about LRC (Land Reform Commission) lands. That shows the true state of affairs.
‘However, our government will officially launch the land deed distribution programme on 13 August, starting from the Pallai Divisional Secretariat Division, in Kilinochchi.
“”Initially, we expect to issue some deeds related to LRC lands. So, we are starting with the distribution of LRC deeds. If there are concerns over valuations, those can be discussed and resolved.”
Moneragala District MP Dharmasena: “The issuance of land ownership deeds has been temporarily halted. Yet many landowners are facing numerous difficulties due to not having deeds, including problems with obtaining loans or transferring land to their children. Therefore, if ownership deeds cannot be issued promptly, at least the validity of any existing documentation should be restored and provided.”
Deputy Minister Dr. Ranasinghe: “The delay in issuing ownership deeds is not due to a failure on our part. There’s a flaw in the procedure for granting freehold title deeds. There’s a legal issue involved. That’s why officials at the Department of the Commissioner General of Lands were advised not to proceed.
A Cabinet-appointed expert committee has been formed to look into the matter, and its report has already been submitted to the Cabinet. Based on that, the issue has been referred to the Attorney General for advice. Once we receive the AG’s recommendations, we hope to proceed with the implementation. In the meantime, we will continue with the government’s deed issuance programme.”