Divisional Secretariat - Harispattuwa

Alienation of lands acquired by the Government

Objective

The alienation of land previously acquired under an expedited procedure from various parties for governmental requirements and public purposes, where it is subsequently determined that such land is no longer necessary, and the land is returned to the original proprietors.

Required qualifications

The declaration that the land is no longer required by the government and therefore should be alienated, along with the statement of the Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and the corresponding form of the Divisional Secretary obtained under Section 39(1), must be submitted to the Divisional Secretary.

Required Documents

• Statement from the Secretary of the Ministry of Lands confirming that the land is no longer required by the government and therefore should be alienated.
• Form for obtaining the statement from the Divisional Secretary under Section 39(1).
• Certificate confirming that no compensation has been paid for the land.
• Certificate confirming that no development work has been carried out on the land using government funds.
• Certificate of consent from the owner(s) willing to take back the land.

Distribution of government land and issuance of permits under the Land Development Ordinance.

Objective

Distribution of government land and issuance of permits under the Land Development Ordinance for farmers, low-income earners, educated youth, and high-income beneficiaries.

Required qualifications

• Submission of an application form for land
• The applicant does not own any other land
• Being an educated youth belonging to the low-income class or the farming class

Required Documents

• Application for registration in the landless persons’ register
• Application form for the land office

Cancellation of a permit issued under the Land Development Ordinance.

Due to the failure to properly develop the land allocated under the Land Development Ordinance and acting in violation of the conditions specified in the permit, the said land is legally cancelled and the ownership of the land is reverted to the Government.

Granting of state land on a long-term lease basis for agricultural commercial activities.

Objective

Granting of state land on a long-term lease basis to high-income individuals or institutions for agricultural development.

Required Qualifications

• Individuals or institutions eligible under Regulation 198 of the State Lands Ordinance.
• In the case of an individual, fulfillment of the eligibility criteria as per Circular No. 2008/047 issued by the Commissioner General of Lands dated 2008.08.20.

Required Documents

• Request letter
• Status report on the development condition of the land.
• Report of Appendix 18 or Appendix 1 (Land Regulations 199.2 (e))
• Appendix 17 (Land Regulations 207.2 (IX)) – Affidavit
• Affidavit stating the payment of tax (in accordance with Letter No. 4/10/Circular/2009/5 dated 2009.07.29 issued by the Commissioner General of Lands).
• If the land belongs to any institution/department, the consent of that institution is required.
• If located within the jurisdiction of a Municipal Council / Pradeshiya Sabha, the consent of those institutions and other relevant authorities is required.
• Land survey plan or sketch map.

Granting state land on a long-term lease basis for residential purposes.

Objective

Granting state land on a long-term lease basis for residential purposes to high-income individuals.

Required Qualifications

• Persons who fulfill the requirements under Regulation 197 of the State Lands Ordinance.
• Persons who have fulfilled the qualifications according to Circular No. 2008/04 dated 2008.08.20 issued by the Commissioner General of Lands.

Required Documents

• Request letter
• Status reports on the development condition of the land.
• Report of Appendix 18 or Appendix 1 (Land Regulations 199.2 (e))
• Appendix 17
• Affidavit
• If located within the jurisdiction of a Municipal Council / Pradeshiya Sabha, the consent of those institutions and other relevant authorities is required.
• Land survey plan or sketch map.

Revocation of rights to a grant issued under the Land Development Ordinance.

Objective

Legal transfer of land to another party based on the relinquishment by the grant holder.

Required Qualifications

• Being a relative as defined under the 3rd Schedule of the Land Ordinance.
• Being a member of a specified class excluded from land acquisition under the Land Development Ordinance.
• The grant holder must have ownership of another piece of land.

Required Documents

• Application letters of the grant holder and the person to whom the land is transferred.
• Certified photocopy of the land registration documents.
• Documented evidence confirming that the transferee is a blood relative.
• Written evidence confirming that the grant holder owns other land.
• Documents evidencing consent granted by the grant holder’s family members (children over 18 years of age and spouse), only when required.
• Original copy of the grant document.
• Recommendation of the Grama Niladhari / Field Officer / Divisional Officer / Land Officer.

Grant of original title to a land plot

Objective

Nomination of the successor to the land after the demise of the owner and the lawful beneficiary, under the Land Development Ordinance

Required Qualifications

• Naming a successor in the license
• Being the original qualified person under Schedule III of the Land Development Ordinance
• Being the heir appointed by nomination

Required Documents

• Request letter
• Original copy of the grant certificate
• New 'Paththiru'
• Death certificates of the grantee and the spouse
• Applicant’s birth certificate
• If appointed by agreement, with the consent of the heir through an affidavit

Grant of original title to a land

Objective

Nomination of the successor to the land after the demise of the owner and the lawful beneficiary, under the Land Development Ordinance.

Required Qualifications

• Status as the legally married spouse (husband or wife).
• The original license holder has died.

Required Documents

• Request letter
• Original copy of the license
• Spouse’s marriage certificate
• License holder’s death certificate

Granting free land grants to Buddhist temples

Objective

Confirmation of ownership of temples situated on government land that have been developed as Buddhist temples and where a chief incumbent (Viharadhipathi) has been appointed.

Required Qulifications

• Having been developed as a Buddhist temple
• Appointment of a chief incumbent (Viharadhipathi)
• Qualifications specified in the Land Commissioner General's Circular No. 2008/05

Required Documents

• Request letter
• Report of Appendix 5
• Land survey plan and detailed list of plots
• Land boundary diagram
• Certificate of the Divisional Secretary

Granting of a long-term lease

Objective

Assigning a portion of land leased on a long-term basis to another person.

Required Qulifications

Receiving a letter of request.

Required Documents

• Lessee's request letter
• Request of the transferee
• Certified copy of the lease document
• 'Paththiru' Reports
• Draft of the transfer deed
• If the transferee is an institution (list of board of directors, certificate of registration)

Designation of a life interest on a grant land

Objective

Appointment of a lawful occupant who obtains ownership of the grant land issued under the Land Development Ordinance following the demise of the owner.

Required Qulifications

• Being the lawful married wife or husband of the grant recipient.

Required Documents

• Original copy of the grant certificate
• Death certificate of the grant recipient
• Applicant’s marriage certificate