Amendments to land act: President adamant on safeguarding people's rights

Colombo (News 1st) A discussion on amendments to the land act was held at the presidential secretariat yesterday. The meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Ministers Dr Rajitha Seneratne, P. Harrison, Gayantha Karunathilake, Daya Gamage, MP WIjeyadasa Rajapakshe and ministry secretaries attended the meeting. The President said that when looking at the destruction caused by the Pradeshiya Sabhas that powers should be taken away from the Pradeshiya Sabhas. The proposal is trying to give them powers to draft the minimum and maximum limits of all lands except paddy fields and irrigation lands. What do these minimum divisions mean? It means that powers are given to divide lands. This step enables the wealthy communities to purchase land. This will destroy the poor community in our country. Continuing the President said that in regard to amendments, removing regulations on lands is a huge mistake. There must be laws in place. Powers should not be given to Pradeshiya Sabhas. This act is disastrous. All lands will be divided and sold. The wealthy community, the chairmen of companies will purchase all of them. The observations submitted by the President must be accepted.