Sri Lanka has formed a special committee, announced by State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, tasked with allocating state-owned lands to the military. This move comes ahead of the upcoming Presidential polls, with the election date expected to be announced after July 17. The Election Commission has already confirmed that the polls will occur between September 17 and October 16.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also holds the position of Defence Minister, is anticipated to run for re-election with the backing of a coalition of parties supporting the current government. His allies indicate a focus on granting unconditional freehold ownership of lands to farmers and low-income earners through the “Urumaya” program, aimed at enhancing land value and strengthening family economies.
Tennakoon revealed during a media briefing that the President presented a cabinet paper proposing concessions for military personnel seeking government lands. A special committee, headed by the President’s secretary with the defence secretary as a member, has been tasked with overseeing this initiative alongside the “Urumaya” program. Analysts underscore the significance of securing support from both serving and retired armed forces in winning the presidency, highlighting the military’s revered status for its role in defeating the Tamil Tiger separatists after a 26-year conflict, despite facing allegations of human rights violations.