The Government plans to release a portion of land following a systematic study in line with new economic strategies, while safeguarding land required for national food security and agriculture, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
The President made these remarks yesterday (27) while attending the inauguration of the national programme to distribute ‘Himikama’ freehold title deeds at the North Central Provincial Council Auditorium in Korakahawewa, Anuradhapura.
He stated that the Government’s objective is to attract industries built on modern technological and scientific advancements as Sri Lanka moves towards economic transformation. Countries that achieved development success did so by absorbing the technologies available at the time, he said, adding that Sri Lanka is now facing the consequences of failing to adapt to global technological shifts in the past.
President Dissanayake stressed that opportunities must be created for industries based on contemporary science and technology, noting that subordinating land to an outdated inherited economic structure is not a scientifically sound approach.
Under the Land Development Ordinance No. 19 of 1935, lands were granted to farming communities and the public under permits and conditional grants. However, the absence of absolute ownership has created practical difficulties in utilising such lands for development and economic purposes.
Accordingly, steps are being taken to remove conditions attached to permits and grants issued under the Land Development Ordinance and to issue freehold title deeds in accordance with Section 2 of the State Lands Ordinance No. 8 of 1947. Under the islandwide ‘Himikama’ programme, freehold titles will be granted for lands voluntarily surrendered to the State.
At the ceremony, 500 ‘Himikama’ freehold title deeds were distributed to beneficiaries in the Anuradhapura District, with the President symbolically handing over deeds to 50 recipients.
Addressing the gathering, the President said land in Sri Lanka is deeply connected to culture, ancestry and livelihood, particularly in an agriculture-based economy. However, he noted that Sri Lanka’s limited land area and population density of around 350 persons per square kilometre require a forward-looking land management policy to prevent future conflicts and economic setbacks.
He emphasised the need for a scientifically grounded land-use plan based on statistical data and economic requirements, adding that funds have been allocated in the current Budget for this purpose.
While highlighting the benefits of granting freehold titles, the President also cautioned recipients against selling their land, noting that freehold ownership allows sale and mortgaging. He assured that the Government would work to address citizens’ economic needs so that land would not be sold out of necessity.
Referring to future economic planning, he said that while land required for food security and agriculture would be protected, a certain extent would be allocated for new economic ventures. He cited examples such as establishing AI centres or green energy parks, stating that allocating land for such initiatives is essential to align the country with global technological progress.
“If we fail to attract industries based on science and technology during this era of rapid advancement, the gap between our country and others will widen further,” he said.
The President also underscored the Government’s broader goals of ensuring economic stability and eradicating poverty, describing poverty as a social tragedy that must be addressed collectively. He said the country’s economic stability had enabled it to respond effectively to the challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah without halting development projects.
Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply H.M. Susil Ranasinghe said the ‘Himikama’ programme is being implemented under a systematic plan, resolving shortcomings in previous land deed distribution initiatives. Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath stated that land ownership is now being granted free from political motives.
Members of Parliament, other public representatives, ministry secretaries, the Commissioner General of Lands, state officials and beneficiaries were present at the event.