More

    Sri Lanka Set to Legalise Homes Made on Railway Property

    Civil societyHousing, land and property rightsSri Lanka Set to Legalise Homes Made on Railway...
    - Advertisment -

    Sri Lanka Set to Legalise Homes Made on Railway Property

    Minister of Transport and Highways Bandula Gunawardena said that squatters on lands belonging to Sri Lanka’s Railways Department will be leased the land after an assessment.

    In an interesting move to recognise right to a roof over one’s head – an extension of the right to life – the Sri Lanka Railways will soon initiate action to legalise homes of people that came up on railway property more than 10 years ago.

    Minister of Transport and Highways Bandula Gunawardena said that squatters on lands belonging to Sri Lanka’s Railways Department will be leased the land after an assessment.

    “I have obtained cabinet approval to have the land and property occupied by squatters for over 10 years assessed, and then sign a lease agreement with them,” Gunawardena was quoted as saying in a statement by the State Information Department.

    “All squatters who have been there less than 10 years will be prosecuted. Land grabbing now is useless.” Gunawardena said while speaking at the inauguration of the Assistant Commercial Superintendent’s office in Nawalapitiya.

    - Advertisement -

    “In future, this office will carry out all commercial activities on the lands owned by the Railways Department from Rambukkana to Matale and Badulla,” the minister said.

    “Squatters have to come to this office immediately and file appeals and get the properties assessed; an appeal will be heard on what’s going on,” the minister said, adding, “Those who have been there for more than 10 years should verify their identity and pay taxes.” The Railways own the largest amount of land in the country.

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    War, huh, Yeah, What is it Good For?

    One should, nevertheless, keep in mind that war is horrific. It is most often not the answer. When it is, it is always the very last resort after all other means to resolve adverse situations have been well and truly exhausted.

    World Bank Unveils $1 Billion Package to Spur Jobs and Private Sector Growth in Sri Lanka

    Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.

    UN Secretary-General Urges Military restraint from India, Pakistan

    He offered his good offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy, stressing that “a military solution is no solution.”

    India Showcases SVAMITVA at World Bank Land Conference

    India’s interventions across these sessions aim to serve as a call to action for other nations striving to achieve SDG Target 1.4.2 which aims to ensure legal ownership and control over land for all, especially vulnerable communities.
    - Advertisement -

    WHO Warns of Deepening Health Crisis in Afghanistan as Aid Dwindles

    The decline in support follows the suspension of US assistance, which previously accounted for nearly half of the international funding directed toward Afghanistan’s healthcare.

    Clean Ganga Mission Approves Key Projects for Ganga Rejuvenation via Ecosystem Testoration

    Conservation of critical wetlands and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater through city specific reuse plans and were deliberated in the meeting.

    Must read

    War, huh, Yeah, What is it Good For?

    One should, nevertheless, keep in mind that war is horrific. It is most often not the answer. When it is, it is always the very last resort after all other means to resolve adverse situations have been well and truly exhausted.

    World Bank Unveils $1 Billion Package to Spur Jobs and Private Sector Growth in Sri Lanka

    Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you