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Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha today (24^th) joined an observation tour of the Land Reform Commission.

At first, the Minister reviewed the progress of the Land Reform Commission. The Land Reform Commission has established 20 district offices, where the public is given the opportunity to resolve their land-related issues.

The programs expected to be implemented by the Land Reform Commission in the future were introduced during the progress review. Among those programs are the issuance of deeds to low-income earners, issuance of deeds to state institutions, issuance of lease deeds for agricultural lands, investigation of land disputes, and investigation of lands with unpaid taxes and underutilized lands.

On this occasion, the Minister inquired from the officials about the existing problems within the institution. The officials pointed out that there are issues regarding the space within the institution’s premises. It was indicated that the available space is not adequate for the number of employees. Furthermore, the officials emphasized that there is a need to renovate the existing building. It was also revealed at the progress review meeting that funds have been allocated for the purchase of new vehicles, as the vehicles currently in use for official duties are very old.

It was revealed that there are issues regarding the number of employees, with a surplus of staff existing. The Minister specifically discussed this issue with the relevant staff members. Recruitments should be made for certain posts, with a need for three Assistant Directors and one Information Technology Officer. It was also proposed that the legal division of the institution needs to be further strengthened.

Thereafter, the Minister visited various divisions of the Land Reform Commission and engaged in a special observation tour. He also joined in a friendly conversation with the officials there.