"Provision of land deeds a benefit or a disaster?"-Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A public debate under the theme "Is the provision of land deeds a lottery or a disaster?" was held at the Mahaweli Centre yesterday (July 19). The event was organized by the Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform. At the debate, convener  Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform Chinthaka Rajapaksa noted that apparently the issue over land ownership they faced for a long time will be sorted out soon. He added that at the same time it is stated that the US government will provide US$ 480 million under the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement to facilitate this program. He questioned if this truly is for the love of farmers or if there is any other agenda? He went on to note that it was the latter as the government does not heed to the cries of residents of Kepapilau who had been on the streets for over 600 days demanding deeds for their lands. He added that the government which does not seem concerned about the locals of Kepapilau are more than enthusiastic to provide deeds for the farmers. He finally added that the government is determined to sign the reform as the prime minister himself is prepared to take the streets with the public. Legal Advisor of the Movement for Land and Agriculture Reform, Sajeewa Ranaweera questioned whether these land deeds be sufficient for farmers to retain their lands? He noted that the World Bank and the IMF are clearly pulling strings of the current government. He went on to note that the IMF, the World Bank, together with China, Japan, India and America are already involved in the process. He noted that the land reform is not a benefit for the citizens of the country and it is a disaster in every sense.