President Ranil Wickremesinghe has revealed that while numerous government officials diligently work on the “Urumaya” program to distribute freehold land deeds, a small faction is attempting to undermine these efforts.

President Wickremesinghe was speaking at the Weerasinghe Stadium, Ampara where symbolic land deeds were awarded to 1,758 out of 20,000 eligible recipients from 17 Divisional Secretariats in the Ampara district under the “Urumaya” national program, which aims to distribute two million freehold land deeds.

President Wickremesinghe said the land rights were being granted under the same laws by which the colonizers acquired the land adding that it is the people's legacy.

He said steps have been taken to increase the staff of relevant institutions, including the Survey Department, to support this initiative.

President Wickremesinghe commended the hard work of government officials dedicated to the success of the program and noted the widespread public support it has received.

However, he expressed concern over reports of a small group of officials intimidating the public.

The Head of State said these officials have been questioning the allocation of lands and suggesting that the government could reclaim them.

The President urged citizens to report any harassment by officials to their local MPs.

He has instructed MPs to investigate these officials and report back to him.

President Wickremesinghe stressed that such subversive behavior by a few officers undermines the hard work and integrity of their diligent colleagues and will not be tolerated.