In a significant move under the “Urumaya” program, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Tourism, Lands, and Youth Affairs Harin Fernando awarded freehold land deeds to 662 of the 65,393 eligible beneficiaries from the Badulla district. The ceremony took place at the Mahiyangana Public Ground, where President Wickremesinghe also inaugurated the newly built stadium’s main auditorium and provided sports equipment to four local schools.
Speaking at the event, Minister Fernando highlighted the President’s bold initiatives aimed at rebuilding the nation and elevating Sri Lanka’s global standing. He emphasized that the “Urumaya” program is designed to provide lasting inheritance to the people, urging government officials to steer clear of political motivations to ensure fairness and justice.
“The challenge that the President took on that day was not a small one. It must be said that he took the decision alone to straighten the people of the country and rebuild the country. He worked to raise the name of Sri Lanka before the world. In the face of the crisis, the people of Mahiyangana did not expect great things. Farmers only asked for fertilizer and fuel. This land deed that you will receive today is not a trivial one. This is your inheritance. A deed to be passed down from generation to generation. This program was named Urumaya because you have to give your inheritance. This is not a program implemented for political purposes. I request the government officials not to join politics for this program. If that happens, injustice will be done to the people,”
Said Minister Harin Fernando.
The event was attended by Uva Provincial Governor A. J. M. Muzammil, Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Adviser on National Security Sagala Ratnayake, Members of Parliament Major Sudarshana Denipitiya and Nalaka Kottegoda, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath, Director General of Mahaweli Authority Mahendra Abeywardena, Badulla District Secretary Panduka Sri Prabhath Abeywardena, tribal leader Uruwarige Wannila Aththo, and numerous local political authorities, government officials, and land title holders.
