Govt. moves new State Land Bill in Parliament

• Proposed legislation aims to give land ownership to 2.5 million people 

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

The Government on Friday moved the State Land (Special Provisions) Bill in Parliament seeking House approval to grant absolute title to State lands held by citizens who are holders of grants or instruments of disposition, and to provide for matters connected.

The Minister of Public Enterprise, Kandyan Heritage and Kandy Development and Leader of the House of Parliament Lakshman Kiriella moved the motion. “There are many people settled in different parts of the country in State lands since the 1920s, making use of a permit issued to them. They lack deeds for their respective lands.

So, they are unable to give it away as a gift to their children or obtain a bank loan placing the land as collateral. The bill will pave the way for them to get absolute power to all those lands. There are about 2.5 million people having this issue,” he said.