State lands - Prez opposes freehold rights

President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to be opposed to the piece of legislation introduced by the government to give people freehold rights of State lands used by them under permits issued in terms of the Land Development Ordinance.

The legislation, if enacted, will enable people to secure freehold rights of state lands. Most paddy lands, distributed among people in the dry zone under colonization schemes, belong to this category.

The lands are currently used for cultivation based on permits without having any freehold rights over these lands.

The draft bill came up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting yesterday but approval was differed after the President sought more time to express his views.

Meanwhile, the President is expected to hold a meeting with government ministers today to discuss the pros and cons of this bill. (Kelum Bandara)