Colombo, Sri Lanka (25 July 2024) — The “Urumaya” program, a transformative initiative designed to provide freehold land deeds to Sri Lankans, has been highlighted in recent statements from key officials. This non-political program, overseen by the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, aims to address land rights issues across the country and improve access to legal land ownership.
Key Developments:
Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Lands:
At a press conference held at the Presidential Media Center, Mr. Vidanapathirana emphasized that the “Urumaya” program is a purely administrative effort with no political motivations. He assured that the program would continue even during election periods, with no interruptions or political interference. The initiative is set to issue 2 million land deeds within two years. To date, over 100,000 applications have been received. The program operates in several phases, with current efforts focused on the first phase.
Bandula Jayasinghe, Land Commissioner General:
According to Mr. Jayasinghe, the “Urumaya” program is a revolutionary step in Sri Lankan land reform. It replaces outdated Jayabhumi and Swarnabhoomi permits with freehold deeds, providing clear and secure land ownership to citizens. The program has already processed approximately 102,000 applications and issued 20,000 deeds. By the end of the year, 50,000 more deeds are expected to be granted. Additionally, revisions to the Special Provisions of Land Act and long-term leasing systems are underway to encourage investment.
W. Sudat L. C. Perera, Surveyor General:
Mr. Perera outlined the significant work carried out by the Survey Department, including surveying for highways, preparing line drawings for the “Urumaya” program, and updating cadastral maps. Future plans involve providing land-map information through a web service (LAS/LISS project). The Government Surveyors Association has been on strike since March, but efforts are being made to address their demands and resume normal operations.
Chandima Sigera, Commissioner General of Land Settlement Department:
The Land Settlement Department has been instrumental in confirming land rights and issuing formal title certificates. Mr. Sigera reported that 70% of land rights in the North and East and 99% in other provinces have been settled. The Bim Saviya program has issued around 1 million Class 1 and 2 title certificates and continues to work on private land investigations and cadastral mapping.
Panduka Keerthinanda, Chairman of the Land Reforms Commission:
Mr. Keerthinanda highlighted the Land Reforms Commission’s achievements in digitizing land data and establishing a system for managing land deeds. The Commission has created a basic system for processing and managing land deeds and is working on revising land value estimates and improving tax revenue collection.
Devika Gunawardena, Director General of Land Use and Policy Planning Department:
Ms. Gunawardena reported that the Department of Land Use and Policy Planning has completed the National Land Use Survey and developed land use plans at the Divisional Secretariat level. Projects include increasing agricultural land productivity through soil and water conservation and educating the public on scientific land use planning.
Summary:
The “Urumaya” program represents a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s land reform efforts, addressing long-standing issues of land ownership and usage. With support from various government departments, the initiative aims to provide clear, legal land ownership to millions of Sri Lankans and improve land management across the country. The program’s continued progress reflects a strong commitment to addressing both historical and future land-related challenges.
