'Ditwa' Resettlement of Displaced Families Under a Special Methodology

The Cabinet has approved a special mechanism for allocating land to resettle families displaced by the impact of Cyclone 'Ditwa'. Minister of Health and Mass Media, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that resettlement activities are currently underway for families whose homes were completely destroyed by this cyclone and those who lived in high-risk landslide zones.

As the amount of land required to resettle these displaced persons cannot be met solely from state-owned lands, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet. Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved several steps related to meeting the relevant land requirement.

Accordingly, when lands currently granted to other individuals on a permit basis are selected for resettlement activities, the development value of the relevant land is to be provided to the permit holder through the Divisional Secretary. Subsequently, permission will be granted to formally transfer the said land to another person of a similar income level.

Furthermore, private lands donated to the government by philanthropists for resettlement purposes are first to be transferred to the government via a 'Deed of Gift' in accordance with the provisions of the State Lands Ordinance. Thereafter, it is planned to register the government's ownership and take further steps by obtaining a declaration of waiver of compensation from the relevant individuals as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act No. 9 of 1950.

In cases where suitable land for resettlement cannot be provided to individuals through the aforementioned mechanisms, a portion of land, not exceeding 10 perches, will be allocated from a government land or a land donated to the government. Subsequently, steps will be taken to transfer the ownership of these lands to the relevant individuals under Section 2 of the State Lands Ordinance No. 8 of 1947.