Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya affirmed that the government has no intention of acquiring lands owned by residents of the Northern and Eastern provinces, and is committed to restoring land ownership to rightful owners without delay.
She made these remarks during a discussion held on May 23 in Parliament’s Committee Room No. 1, focusing on land ownership issues affecting the Northern and Eastern communities, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
MPs representing the two provinces highlighted public distrust stemming from past governments’ handling of land documentation and ownership, noting that many legitimate owners lack formal proof. They emphasized the need for a transparent and structured approach to regain public confidence.
Concerns were also raised over fraudulent land acquisitions, with MPs stating that people now look to the current administration for a fair and just resolution.
Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that any process to grant land ownership will be carried out legally and transparently to remove doubts among the public. She reiterated that under no circumstances will the government seize land from the people.
She added that the government will engage all relevant stakeholders and local communities in finding an appropriate solution and take necessary steps going forward.
The event was attended by Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, Secretary D.P. Wickramasinghe, Additional Solicitor General Vikum De Abrew, and other senior officials, along with representatives from the Land Registration and Survey Departments, District Secretaries, and public representatives from the Northern and Eastern provinces.
