5,400 “Urumaya” Freehold Land Deeds distributed to residents of Vavuniya and Mannar Districts
- President Emphasizes Urumaya Land Deeds as Key to Kick-starting Village Agricultural Modernization Program.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe (26) distributed 700 freehold land deeds across 04 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Vavuniya District and 05 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Mannar District as part of the “Urumaya” program, during a ceremony at the Mojo Festival Hall in Vavuniya.
Under the initial phase of the “Urumaya” initiative, a total of 5400 freehold deeds are slated to be distributed to the Vavuniya and Mannar districts.
In his address at the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the provision of these Urumaya freehold land deeds marks the commencement of the agricultural modernization endeavour.
The President emphasized that within the Agricultural Modernization Program, modern farming techniques will be introduced to rural areas within the next three years, enabling individuals to enhance their income through increased production facilitated by modern technology.
He underscored that granting free land rights to the populace constitutes a privatization of state-owned assets, directly boosting the economy of the country.
Further elaborating, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe noted,
Since 1935, individuals were issued land licenses for agricultural purposes and housing construction without actual land ownership rights. Hence, I made the decision to grant you freehold land. Despite concerns raised by some about the possibility of land sales due to this initiative, I have faith that you will not seek to sell the land after two generations have benefited from it.
The populace has endured considerable hardship in the past, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic turmoil. As a result of this crisis, approximately 70% of the country’s population saw a decline in the value of their properties. However, with the issuance of freehold deeds today, the value of your land is poised to increase.
It is imperative that you utilize these lands to foster modern agricultural practices, thereby boosting the production economy of the country. Your contribution in this regard is vital, particularly during times of economic distress. It is worth noting that upon the completion of the Malwathu Oya project, agricultural cultivation in the Mannar district will be significantly facilitated.
State Minister Kader Masthan,
Today marks a significant milestone as free land deeds are bestowed upon the residents of Vavuniya and Mannar districts. If there are adequate staffs, we could have extended this opportunity to even more individuals today. Nevertheless, the President has committed to implementing this program more efficiently in the future. It is crucial that President Ranil Wickremesinghe continues to lead our country. We should rally behind him for this cause.
Governor of Northern Province P.S.M. Charles,
Over the past three days, the President has spearheaded numerous development initiatives across five districts in the Northern Province. These projects span various sectors including education, healthcare, employment, and land ownership. Additionally, officials have been directed to address the needs of the local populace and efforts have been made to fulfil the demands outlined by respective politicians.
Parliamentarian Selvam Adaikalanathan,
We express our gratitude to the President for his efforts in advancing development projects in the North. Granting land rights to the people brings significant relief to them. With the provision of free land deeds for 2 million individuals, every resident in Vanni will have access to land. Additionally, we welcome the President’s visit to Mannar and anticipate that he will address the various challenges faced by its residents.
Parliamentarian S. Noharathalingam,
During his three-day visit to the North, the President inaugurated numerous development projects, which we, as the Tamil National Alliance, are prepared to endorse. The initiative to grant free land deeds to individuals who previously held land licenses deserves commendation.
Vanni District Parliamentarian Kulasingam Thileepan, alongside other political representatives from the province, Vavuniya District Secretary P.A. Sarathchandra and number of government officials were present at the event.
