“Don’t sell, value will get doubled” President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to develop the Western Province into a major city accommodating approximately 05 million people.
The President emphasized that the government is implementing a revolutionary program to provide freehold land and housing rights to the people covering villages, towns, and plantations, aiming to alleviate hardships faced by the country’s citizens.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while attending the “Randora Urumaya” program, which grants freehold deeds to 50,000 low-income families residing in flats in Colombo. The event took place at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo, this afternoon (17).
According to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision outlined in the 2024 budget proposals, the Urumaya program aims to grant freehold land rights to 02 million people and full ownership of houses to 250,000 low-income families residing in Colombo flats.
In the initial phase, 50,000 low-income families residing in Colombo flats will receive freehold deeds. Today, a total of 1,117 title deeds were awarded, comprising 937 houses from the Urban Development Authority and 180 houses from the National Housing Development Authority.
Accordingly these “Randora Urumaya” title deeds will be distributed to residents of Mihindu Sethpura, Sirisara Uyana, Metro housing complexes under the Urban Development Authority, and 31 flats under the National Housing Development Authority.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the event, further added,
Today, one of your problems has been solved—you now have ownership of your house. We understand that losing ownership of a house is a significant issue for people. As an MP represented the Colombo district, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by its residents.
When we took office, the country was in a very challenging economic situation. Many suffered greatly due to the previous economic crisis. However, you trusted that the government would work towards rebuilding the country’s economy. It is because of this trust that we have been able to make progress. I sincerely thank all of you for your patience and confidence in us.
Today, the country is progressing economically. This government is not affiliated with just one party. It was formed swiftly by bringing together individuals from various parties when some neglected their responsibilities. This type of government has not existed in our country before.
As we continue to build our nation today, its benefits should extend to the common people. That’s why we have ensured that you receive full ownership of these flats. Our country is progressing, but for our economic development to continue, we must strive further to improve the quality of life for our people.
This government has achieved what no other government has. We have empowered ordinary citizens by expanding Freehold land ownership across the country. Previous administrations focused primarily on ownership in the stock market—tracking share purchases and market fluctuations. Instead, we focused on empowering ordinary citizens.
The farmers of our nation have consistently delivered good harvests in past seasons, which has been crucial for our recovery from economic downturns. It’s essential that we secure their land rights. Until now, these rights were only granted through licenses. We have started granting Freehold land rights. By the end of this term, over 02 million people will have their land rights secured, and those in flats will gain ownership of their houses. This initiative will significantly increase the number of landowners and house owners in our country.
It’s important to note that no previous government has undertaken the revolutionary measures we have implemented. This program was launched to provide much-needed relief to the people of our country.
Furthermore, plans are underway to implement a housing program for estate residents in the near future. I have convened meetings with the respective MPs to discuss this initiative and have instructed them to draft new legislation and proceed with consultations.
Our primary focus remains on securing housing and land rights for all residents across villages, cities, and plantations, marking a cornerstone initiative of this government. This program will serve as a catalyst for broader societal transformation.
It is important to acknowledge the significant contributions of three former leaders who dedicated.
Former Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala initiated the construction of the first apartment complex in Bambalapitiya. Following his lead, then President Ranasinghe Premadasa undertook significant apartment projects in Colombo, further advancing urban housing development. Additionally, Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made substantial contributions to enhance the apartment program. These leaders deserve recognition and gratitude for their efforts in this regard.
The value of the freehold house deeds you receive today is expected to double in the next decade. Therefore, I urge you to manage your property diligently and responsibly to ensure your future success and prosperity.
Please refrain from mortgaging the deed you receive today. Over the next decade, Colombo is slated for significant development. Our vision is to transform the Western Province into a bustling metropolis accommodating five million residents. As part of this initiative, out-dated government buildings on public lands will be replaced, and plans are underway for a new port in the province, led by Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and his team.
Furthermore, we have committed to constructing new schools in the Kolonnawa area, and preparations for this program are already in progress.
Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena,
As per the 2024 budget proposal, today marks a significant milestone in securing land and housing rights for the people. Owning a home today marks a proud achievement. Food, clothing, and shelter are fundamental human needs, and owning your home fulfils a crucial aspect of these needs. This ownership can revolutionize your life, and it is essential to manage it diligently for a successful future.
The initiative of the Urban Development Minister to enhance all areas of Colombo city is commendable. Through projects like the Colombo Urban Apartment Project, a substantial number of people now own homes. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been instrumental in spearheading these efforts, underscoring his commitment to improving housing accessibility and urban development.
Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, Governor of the Western Province Marshal of the Sri Lanka Air Force Roshan Goonetileke, State Ministers Thenuka Vidanagamage, Arundika Fernando, MPs Wajira Abeywardana, A.H.M. Fowzie, Yadamini Gunawardena, Attorney at Law Premnath C. Dolawatte,(Rtd) Major Pradeep Undugoda, Attorney at Law Madhura Withanage, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of the Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Presidential Senior Adviser on Economic Affairs Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga, Director-General of Presidential Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya, secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing W.S. Sathyananda were also present at the event.
2024-07-17
