Govt. to distribute deeds for used State lands

The Government plans to provide deeds for utilised State lands that have been cultivated, settled on or belonging to religious and public institutions, said Land and Parliament Reforms Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka.

The Minister made these comments addressing a title deed distribution ceremony for the residents of Monaragala, Medagama, Badalkumbura and Bibile Divisional Secretariat areas of Uva Province at the Monaragala Library Auditorium on 21 April. 666 deeds were distributed during this event.

The Minister said the land deed is an important document, as the value of land never comes down when time passes, and as the population increases, the lands never increase in parallel to the population.

“Getting a deed for the land where people live or cultivate brings a mental relief for them as it paves the way for them to use it in accordance to their wishes” the Minister said.

He said, Uva Wellassa is replete with plenty of natural resources, and the people who lived here in the ancient era rendered a yeoman service to build up a prosperous country by building huge tanks and cultivating the lands to provide food for the whole country. They also built the world-famous Buddha Statue in Maligawila which brings fame to the country.

“Hence, it is with respect that we distribute the deeds to the kith and kin of Uva Wellassa who sacrificed their lives 200 years ago in 1818, displaying patriotism,” the Minister said. The Minister commended the service rendered by the officials of the Monaragala District Secretariat Office, Uva Provincial Land Officers, and Officers of the Land Ministry for the successful organisation of the program. 

 Text and pix by Bandula Alahakoon