January 08, Colombo (LNW): The Urban Development Authority (UDA) announced plans to grant title deeds to half of its apartment residents by the end of the current year. Nimesh Herath, Chairman of the UDA, highlighted that this initiative aligns with directives from Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.
Out of the 14,542 individuals currently residing in UDA-owned apartments, the first phase targets issuing title deeds to 50% of them. However, certain legal and administrative challenges need resolution, which may extend the timeline for other units.
Herath emphasized Minister Ranatunga’s directive to expedite title deed distribution for the remaining residents after addressing prevailing legal and administrative barriers. Key agencies involved in housing initiatives for low-income groups include the Urban Development Authority, the National Housing Development Authority, and the Urban Settlement Development Authority.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the swift issuance of title deeds to flat owners in a recent parliamentary statement.
Herath conveyed these updates during discussions at the Urban Development Authority Auditorium in Sethsiripaya, addressing concerns and challenges pertaining to UDA schemes.
Additionally, Minister Ranatunga urged the UDA to explore the feasibility of transferring freehold rights to the offspring of original apartment owners as part of ongoing considerations.
