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Freehold land ownership granted to 45,253 Mahaweli Walawa settlers
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that through the “Urumaya” program, the government’s intent is to express gratitude to farmers who have supplied rice to the country despite not owning the land.
He also emphasized that the current government aims to provide both knowledge and rights to the people, akin to how C.W.W. Kannangara promoted education through free schooling.
President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at a ceremony held this morning (June 17) at the Embilipitiya Mahaweli Stadium.
The event was for the awarding of freehold land deeds to 1,524 out of 45,253 eligible settlers in the Mahaweli Walawa region as part of the national “Urumaya” program to provide 02 million freehold land deeds.
The President participated in the Urumaya ceremony and the symbolic distribution of land deeds.
Addressing the event, President Wickremesinghe further stated;
I have instructed all relevant authorities to issue freehold land deeds within the next two months. District Secretaries, the Land Commissioner General, and the surveyors’ office will collaborate to expedite the delivery of these land deeds. Local government officials will also contribute, ensuring the efficient implementation of this program.
For the past 75 years, people have been given land without freehold rights. The “Urumaya” program was introduced to grant these legal land rights, marking a significant change. During difficult times, everyone shared the burden. Now that the economy is improving, everyone should benefit, especially the farmers who provide rice to the nation.
In addition to granting free land rights to farmers, we are working to provide housing rights to 250,000 low-income residents living in the Colombo flats. This program aims to ensure that every citizen owns land, a house, or a vehicle. Just as C.W.W. Kannangara provided free education in 1944, this government is committed to providing both knowledge and rights to the people.
Farmers in this area have been growing crops and harvesting without owning the land, preventing them from obtaining bank loans. This problem has persisted for three generations. To address this, the government implemented the “Urumaya” program to grant them land rights as a gesture of gratitude to the farmers of this country.
When we assumed office, the country was in crisis, with no electricity, and a lack of fuel and medicines. To recover, we prioritized increasing production. Paddy production rose during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, thanks to the farmers’ efforts. The government provided necessary support, including fertilizer.
Our support for farmers goes beyond land ownership. To eliminate rural poverty, we must carry out an agricultural revolution. The agricultural modernization program is designed to increase farmers’ incomes alongside land ownership.
We urge everyone to participate in this program, which will begin next year with prompt funding. The government also plans to modernize and restructure the agricultural service centers.
I extend my gratitude to the farmers of this area for their service over three generations without land rights.
Minister of Wildlife,Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation, Pavithra Wanniarachchi;
Today marks the historic achievement of receiving land rights after generations of deprivation. The suffering endured without these rights has been immense. Today, the President has taken decisive steps to fulfill the fundamental needs of our people: land, housing, and food.
The joy experienced by families through owning freehold land is invaluable. This initiative, led by the President, is seen as a transformative revolution aimed at empowering and bringing immense joy to your families.
A significant revolution is underway as 02 million families are granted freehold deeds, providing them with long-awaited land rights.
In addition, the President aims to launch the agricultural modernization program. Equipping farmers with modern technology cannot be achieved alone, which is why the initiative to provide modern agricultural equipment has begun with support from the Asian Development Bank.
Development initiatives in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across the country are progressing steadily. Today, under the President’s astute leadership, the nation has achieved remarkable development. We cannot afford further experimentation; therefore, your support is crucial for sustaining this program.
Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera;
There was a time in our country when disputes over land led to tragic conflicts, even within families. Land issues remain a significant cause of police complaints and public grievances that we, as public representatives, frequently encounter.
Today, you have received a freehold title deed, marking President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s largest privatization effort. He is committed to allocating millions of acres of land to the people. Despite the country facing immense challenges, the President stepped up to lead, yet some criticize instead of offering support. Under his leadership, farmers protesting were returned to their fields, ensuring our nation’s rice needs were met locally, not imported.
State Minister of Plantation Industries and Mahaweli Development Lohan Ratwatte;
The Mahaweli Authority oversees a significant portion of the country’s land, and under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, numerous families have received freehold land deeds through the Urumaya program. President Wickremesinghe has steered the country with a well-structured program, rescuing it from dire circumstances. As various candidates vie for the presidency and social media buzzes with campaigns, it is crucial that the President’s initiatives continue for another five years. It is imperative for all of us to prioritize the nation’s interests and collaborate towards its progress. Failure to do so risks plunging the country into turmoil once more.
The event was attended by the Maha Sangha of the province, former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa, State Ministers Janaka Wakkambura, Shashindra Rajapaksa, Jagath Pushpakumara, Lohan Ratwatte, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chairman Kanchana Jayaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation Saman Darshana Padikorala, Mahaweli Authority Director General M. L. D. C. M. Abeywardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath and numerous government officials and policymakers.
(President’s Media Division)
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SL embassy in Japan holds mobile consular service in Ashikaga (Pics)
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan recently conducted a mobile consular service in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, to serve the Sri Lankan community residing in the region.
During the program, officials from the Embassy accepted passport applications and updated driver’s licenses while providing other essential consular services such as affidavit issuance and passport endorsements. A large number of Sri Lankans were provided such services.
The consular service coincided with the “Vesak Kalapaya” organized by the Ohana Association in Tochigi to mark the Vesak and Poson Poya celebrations. Over 600 beautifully decorated Vesak lanterns were lit, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere that welcomed both Japanese and Sri Lankans to experience the festivities.
An art competition was also held as part of the celebration. Winning children—both Japanese and Sri Lankan—were presented with school bags in recognition of their creativity and participation.
The Most Venerable Mawathare Chandima Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Tochigi Paramita Meditation Center, and the Most Venerable Narawila Wijayawansa Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Saithama Kumagaya Anandameth Viharaya, and the Maha Sangha participated in the religious ceremonies on that occasion.
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President joins National Poson Festival in Mihintale (Pics)
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that the transformation which took place in Sri Lankan society with the introduction of Buddhism laid the foundation for a disciplined and culturally sophisticated nation.
The President expressed these views while participating in the National Poson Festival held today (June 10) at the sacred Mihintale temple grounds, organized under the theme “May the world be enlightened by the teachings of the Buddha.”
Highlighting that the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thero marked a civilizational turning point, President Disanayake questioned how the Poson Festival could be meaningfully celebrated without remembering Mihintale and its profound significance.
The President highlighted that the spiritual and cultural heritage linked to Mihintale must be preserved and passed on to future generations, a responsibility the State must not ignore.
The President explained that only citizens who are spiritually and culturally grounded who remain connected to the earth and their heritage could truly uphold this responsibility, not those disconnected from reality. He said the government has already initiated a programme to restore and redevelop the ancient city of Anuradhapura in a manner that reinstates its former glory.
The President stated that the foundation for our country becoming a centre of Theravada Buddhist philosophy and tradition was established with the arrival of Anubudu Mihindu Thero in Sri Lanka. This remarkable event, which sparked spiritual enlightenment alongside social transformation, went beyond mere religious significance and enabled the development of more advanced frameworks across all aspects of our nation including cultural, social and political spheres.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized that the paramount responsibility lies in re-establishing that society on Sri Lankan soil and building a modern, cultured state for the country one that embraces new ethical, social and environmental principles and that this duty must be unwaveringly fulfilled.
The President stated that the government is undertaking the task of reconstructing Anuradhapura, the site of Sri Lanka’s first city, first reservoir, first surgical operation and the great irrigation canals like Yodha Ela, in a manner that restores its ancient heritage.
The President further noted that the Prime Minister of India has already expressed willingness to support this reconstruction initiative under Indian assistance.
Expressing further views on the occasion, President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated:
“Any nation needs a strong foundation to rise. For the Sri Lankan people, that strong foundation has been provided through the philosophy of the Buddha. In a society devoid of education, we cannot expect empowered citizens. More than two thousand years ago, it was Buddhism that introduced a transformative change in education to this country. By transforming temples into centres of learning “Pirivenas” Buddhism played a vital role in imparting not only spiritual guidance but also knowledge to the people. It paved the way for a well-disciplined and cultured social structure. For this immense contribution, the great monastic leaders who served this country throughout its 2,500-year history deserve the nation’s utmost respect and gratitude.
However, today that social structure has collapsed. Some members of the police have reached a point where they protect criminals. Certain officers at the Department of Immigration and Emigration are issuing travel documents illegally. Underworld figures have been granted passports. Some officials at the Department of Prisons have unlawfully released inmates. Even within the Department of Motor Traffic, some officers are engaged in illegal activities. Citizens do not view these institutions with confidence or peace of mind. Therefore, a well-disciplined civic programme must be established to foster a sense of civic responsibility among the people. The Buddhist philosophy can provide essential guidance in this regard.
As a disciplined nation, we are committed to restoring the integrity of these state institutions. We will not abandon this task, but to succeed, we need the cooperation of the general public. We must bring an end to this era of decline and lead the nation towards a victorious, spiritually and materially prosperous way of life. The people must unite to fulfil this vital responsibility”.
For the past two years, the National Poson Festival could not be held with state patronage. However, expressing gratitude for the firm decision taken to once again hold the National Poson Festival in Mihintale, the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Most Venerable Dr. Walawahengunawawe Dhammarathana Thero, extended his sincere thanks to the President during the ceremony.
The official welcome and the clarification of purpose were delivered by the Viharadikari of Mihintale, Venerable Surukkulame Indrarathana Thero.
Those in attendance at the event included the Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Dr. Walawahengunawawe Dhammarathana Thero, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake , Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, Members of Parliament Sena Nanayakkara, Thilina Tharuka Samarakoon, Bhagya Sri Herath and Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, along with a large number of participants.
(President’s Media Division)
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