Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Friday, 27 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
The Government will commence the national rollout of the ‘Himikama’ program today, granting freehold title deeds to individuals who have been developing land under permits and grants, with a focus on farming communities.
According to the President’s Office, the inaugural ceremony will be held at 2.00 p.m. at the North Central Provincial Council Auditorium in Korakahawewa, Anuradhapura, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Beneficiaries who have been utilising land allocated under permits and grants issued in terms of the Land Development Ordinance No. 19 of 1935 have encountered constraints due to the absence of absolute ownership. These limitations have affected their ability to use land for livelihood and development purposes, including its use as an economic asset.
Under the program, conditions attached to such permits and grants will be removed, and title deeds will be issued in accordance with Section 2 of the State Lands Ordinance No. 8 of 1947. The ‘Himikama’ freehold titles will be granted in respect of permits and grants voluntarily surrendered to the Government.
As part of the initial phase, 500 title deeds are scheduled to be distributed to beneficiaries in the Anuradhapura District tomorrow. The Government intends to extend the program to all districts in due course.
The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation in collaboration with the Department of the Land Commissioner General.
