Government Committed to Ensuring Dignified Life for Every Citizen Who Contributes to Economy: President

written by NHL Werasinghe Sat Aug 29, 1:08 pm Source

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that the government has taken full responsibility for guaranteeing a prosperous and dignified life for every citizen born in Sri Lanka who contributes to its economy and belongs to its soil.

The President made these remarks on August 28 during the official handing over of the “Navodayagama” housing project to the public. The project was constructed for 50 families from Poonagala, Kabaragala, who had been living in vulnerable, unsafe conditions for nearly three and a half years after losing their homes to landslides in 2023.

Highlighting the status of the Malayaha (Upcountry) Tamil community, President Dissanayake affirmed that they are equal citizens of Sri Lanka entitled to full rights and better living conditions, stressing that it is unjust for their children to inherit the centuries-old hardships experienced by previous generations.

Key announcements and highlights from the President’s address include:

Central Highlands Protection Authority: Announcing plans to protect the central hills—the source of 103 rivers and 72% of the country’s annual rainfall—the President stated that a new law developed with Asian Development Bank (ADB) support will establish the Central Highlands Protection Authority by late 2026 or early 2027 to consolidate environmental, agricultural, and land management powers.

Repatriation Policy Decision: The Cabinet recently decided to remove long-standing barriers preventing Sri Lankans who fled to India during the war from returning to the country, with the Department of Immigration and Emigration assigned to facilitate their return as equal citizens.

Land & Estate Agreements: The government will incorporate strict clauses safeguarding the land and housing rights of the Malayaha community into future regional plantation company (RPC) lease agreements, which are set to expire by 2042 and are currently under review by a special committee.

Navodayagama Housing Details: Built under the “Thriving Nation – Beautiful Life” policy with praise for the active construction work by the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineers, each complete 550 sq. ft. house on 10 perches of land costs nearly Rs. 3.2 million. Beneficiaries were also provided essential household equipment worth Rs. 175,000. Additionally, 163 beneficiaries under the Indian Housing Scheme across Haldummulla, Bandarawela, and Haputale received freehold title deeds (Sinnakkara Deeds).

President Dissanayake concluded by reiterating that uplifting healthcare, education, housing, and income standards for marginalized communities remains a core national responsibility for his administration.