76,000 Applications Received Under ‘Himikama’ Land Programme

COLOMBO (News 1st): Commissioner General of Lands Chandana Ranaweraarachchi says that 76,000 applications have been received under the national ‘Himikama’ programme for the issuance of freehold land deeds.

Ranaweerarachchi said the authorities expect to review these applications within the first six months, where all 76,000 applicants are expected to be considered for the granting of land titles.

However, he noted that the immediate target is to process and issue approximately 40,000 deeds during the initial phase.

He made these remarks during a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, regarding the inauguration ceremony of the 'Himikama' national programme.

Also speaking at the media briefing, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation, Aravinda Senarath, stated that for decades, citizens in Sri Lanka have faced serious difficulties due to the lack of freehold land titles.

He pointed out that the land issue had repeatedly been used as an election promise at almost every poll. However, successive governments that came to power after making such promises failed to turn them into reality.

The Deputy Minister further noted that the absence of legal ownership, along with delays in land development, has had a significant negative impact on the country’s economy.

He said that recognizing the gravity of the issue, their political movement formulated a clear, structured, and systematic plan to provide land deeds and deliver a practical solution on the ground.

The ‘Himikama’ national programme, which grants absolute ownership to individuals currently occupying state lands, will be officially inaugurated on February 27, in Anuradhapura.

The event will be held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.