The government's primary focus is resolving the intricate land issues persisting in Sri Lanka and addressing the administrative challenges faced by public officials, said Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abeyratne. He made the remarks during the second day of the special "Law Clinic" programme held recently at the Golden Crown Hotel in Kandy.
The Minister highlighted that complex land systems inherited from the past—such as Bandaragama, Hewagama, and Praveni—alongside Waste Lands Ordinances introduced after the 1833 Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms, have created severe issues regarding traditional land ownership.
According to the Ministry's Media Unit, Prof. Abeyratne further noted that current land cases within the judicial system often drag on for 40 to 50 years, frequently outliving the original litigants. In response, the Minister revealed that a special committee is currently active, following a Cabinet decision, to review and overhaul all existing rules and regulations.
The minister also paid tribute to the District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis and the entire public service workforce, for their dedication and tireless service during the disaster brought on by Cyclone Ditwah in November, 2025.
The "Law Clinic" was organised by the Regional Administration Reform Division of the Ministry, led by Additional Secretary Dr. Roshini Dissanayake, with funding from the UNDP. The session specifically targeted land acquisition issues related to resettlement following Cyclone Ditwah.
The event also saw the launch of a manual containing guidelines issued by state agencies regarding the "Ditwah" disaster management. This project, which provides legal consultancy to resolve issues faced by Divisional Secretaries, is slated to be expanded to other districts.
The event was attended by a number of senior officials, including S. Aloka Bandara (Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration), H.M. Herath & Indika Udawatta (District Secretaries of Kegalle and Kandy), Ravindra Pathiranage, PC (Additional Solicitor General), Divisional Secretaries and staff officers from the Kandy, Kegalle, and Kurunegala districts.
The United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations, while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran’s threat to US interests.
The government today granted permission for an Iranian warship with 208 on board to enter the country.
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