• Mahaweli Authority, LRC, Land CG’s Dept told to report on lands given to outside parties including business projs. and their implementation 

The Mahaweli Authority, the Land Reform Commission (LRC), and the Land Commissioner General's (CG’s) Department have been asked to report on lands that have been handed over to external parties in the past for various purposes, including business projects, and whether the intended projects have been implemented.

A considerable extent of land falls under the purview of these three institutions and is leased to external parties for various purposes, including business projects, on a long-term rental basis.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said that certain recipients have taken possession of land under these institutions, but have failed to implement the intended projects. "There has been a trend of various parties submitting some proposals, taking possession of land, and subsequently acquiring their ownership through illegal means in the past. To address this issue, we have instructed these institutions to verify the progress of such projects."

Under the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No. 23 of 1979, if the intended project is not implemented on the land obtained from the Mahaweli Authority within a year, the land can be reclaimed, he said. "Similar regulations apply to lands managed by the LRC and the Land CG's Department. All three institutions have been instructed to prepare reports on the lands allocated in the past, to whom they were given, and for which purpose. When those reports are submitted, the necessary actions will be taken."

Illegal land acquisitions have been a long-standing issue, with various individuals and groups unlawfully occupying or claiming State lands. In some cases, land meant for public use or specific development projects has been taken over without proper authorisation. There have also been instances where powerful individuals or businesses have acquired land through fraudulent means or by exploiting legal loopholes.