President hands over land deeds to 234 families in Sampur

August 24, 2015

President Maithripala Sirisena handed over land deeds to 234 war-displaced families in Sampur at a ceremony on Saturday 22 August. The President was warmly welcomed by the people in the area.

818 acres of land which had been previously vested with the BOI had been taken back by the Government and returned to its original owners.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President said that we could not expect development without the blessings of the people and that he would commit himself to solving the problems of the people living in the North and South without any discrimination.

The President said that his vision is to build a country where people belonging to all communities could live in harmony with each other that he would personally look into the wellbeing of the people in the North and East and commit himself to fulfilling the needs of the people living in those areas.

President Sirisena said that the country would be able to progress as a peaceful nation only by affording equal opportunities to every citizen and building peace and reconciliation amongst communities.

The Government will provide Rs. 13, 000.00 to those who received lands in order for them to clear them while an additional Rs. 25,000 will be provided to build temporary houses along with building materials.

Several countries have offered assistance to build these houses. They will also help provide electricity, water and sanitation facilities as well as to develop roads. The total number of displaced families in Sampur is 825.

Source:http://www.ft.lk/article/461475/President-hands-over-land-deeds-to-234-families-in-Sampur