Claiming ownership of even a mere inch of land is a universal desire, primarily because land serves as a crucial factor in production, transforming it into a valuable asset. However, the significance of a piece of land transcends mere economic value, as true enhancement comes when there is a freehold deed associated with the land.
Lands Minister Harin Fernando explains the “Urumaya” program at a recent press briefing
Entities like Jaya bhoomi and Swarna bhoomi exemplify this reality. Current data suggests that over two million individuals face repercussions due to the absence of a freehold title, even though they possess land. When considering the extended impact on family members, the number of those affected rises significantly.
Post-independence, Sri Lanka has not instituted a formal program to replace these land licenses with freehold deeds. President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s 2024 Budget proposals, presented in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, aim to fulfil the dream of legal land ownership for those who have been denied rightful land access for decades.
Full ownership
Among the proposals, the eighth one under the theme “Prelude to a Strong Future” focuses on the ‘Urumaya” Program, which intends to grant full ownership of Government lands allocated to farmers under the Land Development Ordinance of 1935 through licenses and conditional grants. This initiative is poised to benefit the people by providing them with the long-awaited legal ownership of their agricultural lands.
In a recent communication with media leaders, President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared that the most extensive privatisation effort in Sri Lanka’s history has been executed through the current Budget. A substantial allocation of Rs. 2 billion in the 2024 budget is earmarked for the “Urumaya” program, intending to confer freehold land rights to two million families within the coming years.
Meeting the prolonged aspirations of the country’s populace, this initiative promises landowners complete rights over their properties. It is not an overstatement to characterise this endeavour as a distinctive and noteworthy undertaking.
In the era of the Sinhalese Kings, the entire country’s land belonged to the King. The distribution of land privileges was determined by one’s service and caste in the hierarchical society. Basic land enjoyment rights were reserved for the aristocrats and religious establishments. While common people were allowed to live on these lands, they were forced to serve the “Bandara” land.
During the colonial period, this arrangement became more complex. British rule, particularly the reforms instituted, led to a plantation-focused economy. The 1833 Colebrook reforms, which abolished serfdom, reshaped land ownership in Ceylon. However, subsequent acts like the ‘Wasteland Act’ by the British authorities exacerbated the situation.
This legislation aimed at acquiring fertile lands for the plantation economy, causing significant hardship for those unable to substantiate their land ownership in written records. The upcountry communities, crucial to the plantation economy, were particularly adversely affected by these developments.
In 1933, the initial strides to alter the ownership of Government-owned land were initiated following the colonial period. At that juncture, the Minister of Agriculture, D.S. Senanayake, spearheaded the Minneriya Peasant Colony Movement in 1934, expanding the Government’s land ownership initiative. This marked the commencement of distributing land to the populace in both substantial and modest allocations. C.L. Wickremesinghe, serving as the land commissioner during that period, played a pivotal role.
Crucial role
C.L. Wickremesinghe played a crucial role in establishing the Rajarata Agrarian Estates, receiving guidance from D.S. Senanayake at the time. As the inaugural Sinhalese Governor of the nation, C.L. Wickremesinghe oversaw the Sabaragamuwa District, and among his five children was Edmund Wickremesinghe, the father of the current President, Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President Wickremesinghe is actualising a public service program, affirming people’s rights to their ancestral lands—a mission aligned with the enduring legacy passed down through generations by the Wickremesinghe family.
Following independence, while Premier Senanayake granted land to the people, President J.R. Jayewardene initiated the Mahaweli movement, recognising the significance of bestowing land rights to the citizens. Subsequently, whenever the United National Party (UNP) took office, it implemented measures through legislation to ensure free land rights for the populace.
During this period, opposition forces raised concerns, alleging that the Land Grants (Special Provisions) Bill would result in the transfer of land to the United States. Despite these accusations, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, unwavering in his commitment, was prepared to join the public in street protests against those opposing the granting of free land rights.
In 2002, during the UNP’s governance, plans were made to legally secure lands provided to farmers and impoverished families. Unfortunately, due to a two-year Government tenure, the initiative did not materialise. In 2015, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe played a significant role in advancing this cause. However, Opposition forces continued to resist, propagating a false narrative that the country’s land was being surrendered to multinational corporations.
Over the course of several decades, the issue of land ownership and its resulting hardships for the majority of the population in this country persisted. Despite the allocation of Government lands to landless individuals for agricultural colonies, the recipients did not acquire complete ownership. Transfer certificates, issued under various names like Swarna bhoomi and Ran bhoomi, granted the right to enjoy the land but fell short of absolute ownership, as the Government retained ultimate control.
Under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, a comprehensive initiative known as “Urumaya” has been introduced, ensuring that those utilising Government lands obtain full ownership rights. The Urumaya program’s primary goal is to provide free land titles to two million farming families benefiting from Government lands.
The Land Development Ordinance No. 19 of 1935 facilitated the issuance of approximately 1.7 million licences and 1.2 million allowances to landless farmers for agricultural, industrial, and residential purposes. The “Urumaya” program has been established to secure a free grant, enabling individuals to acquire absolute land rights upon transferring legal licenses or grants back to the Government.
In line with the Urumaya program, free grant forms will be distributed in three main stages to applicants seeking complete land ownership. To streamline the process and address community concerns promptly, an “Urumaya” Operation Secretariat has been established under the President’s Office to coordinate relevant institutions involved in the program’s implementation.
Under the first phase of “Urumaya”, 10,000 deeds are to be presented. The inauguration of the Urumaya program will coincide with the 76th Independence Day celebrations. In its initial phase, a national ceremony awarding ten-thousand deeds is scheduled for February 5 at the Rangiri Dambulu Stadium, presided over by President Wickremesinghe.
This event signifies the bequest of true freedom to the people, aligning with the President’s vision to complete this initiative within three to four years.
The second phase involves the distribution of Urumaya land deeds to farmers who have seamlessly maintained Government-issued licenses. To address issues with certain lands, such as those facing challenges in division among children, disputes, or cases where parents have passed away, village-level committees will be appointed.
For generations, the inhabitants of farming colonies have diligently cultivated the land, contributing rice to the nation despite not having their own plots. The Urumaya program emerges as a solution to the century-old predicaments faced by landowners in this country.
While lands were allocated through various licensing systems, stringent conditions constrained the people due to the absence of freehold rights. Issues such as land pledging and limited access to bank loans persisted. Resolving land-related problems necessitated navigating through Government officials, including village officers, land officers, Assistant Divisional Secretaries, or Divisional Secretaries.
The Urumaya program aims to liberate the people from these constraints, providing them with the autonomy to make decisions about their land with full freehold rights.
Economic investment for progress
Land stands as a pivotal factor in production, making the provision of free land ownership both an investment in the country’s economy and an avenue for individuals to partake in an independent economic process. This opportunity becomes crucial for involving the public in revitalising the nation’s economy during times of economic distress.
President Wickremesinghe’s extensive program to develop the country sees active participation from the people. Rectifying the improper retention of land under Government control, which is inconsistent with the Constitution, has been addressed in the 2024 budget under the President’s administration. This marks a significant democratic investment for the future economy.
In Sri Lanka’s history, President Wickremesinghe will not only be recognised as the saviour who rescued the country from its dire economic crisis but also as the leader who granted people free land rights in their ancestral territories.
