News

Over 50-year delay in releasing land deeds to owners

Published

1 month ago

August 23, 2023

editor

Releasing land deeds to its owners has been delayed for over 50 years, it was revealed during a Ministerial Consultative Committee on Tourism and Lands held recently.

This matter was raised and discussed at the Ministerial Consultative Committee held on August 09 in Parliament under the Chairmanship of Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando.

The Committee questioned the Land Reform Commission Chairman as to why there is such a prolonged delay.

In response, the officials of the Land Reform Commission said that these lands have been disposed of to various parties and the third or fourth generations now occupy them.

Accordingly, the officials stated that there is an issue in awarding documents. They said that they are now in the process of sorting out this matter.

However, Committee Chair Minister Fernando said that a speedier process needs to be implemented. Accordingly, the minister suggested that a schedule be initiated from Kandy District as a pilot project and to gradually move to other districts to clear out the deeds.

The minister further stated that the Land Reform Commission should be more proactive and look into the concerns of the people.

Moreover, the Committee took into discussion the request made regarding the provision of new annual licenses for stone quarrying to around 7,000 people in Balangoda Damahana area who are traditionally engaged in the quarrying industry.

Furthermore, the Chair of the Committee also took into discussion the progress of all Committees which were conducted with the participation of MPs in each tourism area in order to identify and promote new tourist locations and the progress regarding the development of the Deniyaya Eco Tourism Zone.

Committee Members State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe, MPs Kapila Athukorala, Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan and many other MPs representing both the Opposition and the Government were present at the meeting.

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

4 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

7 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)