National Program Launches to Grant "Himikam" Freehold Title Deeds 📈
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has officially inaugurated the national "Himikam" program to transition state-held land permits into absolute freehold ownership, aiming to modernize Sri Lanka’s land administration and economic productivity. • Strategic Shift: The initiative replaces restrictive permits under the 1935 Ordinance with freehold deeds under the State Lands Ordinance No. 8 of 1947. This allows citizens to utilize land as flexible economic units without previous legal constraints. • Implementation: • The program began in the Anuradhapura District with the initial distribution of 500 title deeds. • It will be implemented island-wide for permits voluntarily surrendered to the State. • Focus remains on balancing land release with national food security and agriculture requirements. • Economic Vision: The government aims to move away from "outdated inherited economies" by providing land access for industries built on modern technology and scientific advancement. • Key Objectives: • Remove political motives from land distribution. • Empower the farming community and general public with collateralizable assets. • Systematic allocation of land to attract contemporary global economic strategies.