President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced plans to develop the Western Province into a major city accommodating approximately 05 million people.

The President emphasized that the government is implementing a revolutionary program to provide freehold land and housing rights to the people covering villages, towns, and plantations, aiming to alleviate hardships faced by the country’s citizens.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks while attending the “Randora Urumaya” program, which grants freehold deeds to 50,000 low-income families residing in flats in Colombo. 

According to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision outlined in the 2024 budget proposals, the Urumaya program aims to grant freehold land rights to 02 million people and full ownership of houses to 250,000 low-income families residing in Colombo flats.

In the initial phase, 50,000 low-income families residing in Colombo flats will receive freehold deeds. 

On Wednesday (17), a total of 1,117 title deeds were awarded, comprising 937 houses from the Urban Development Authority and 180 houses from the National Housing Development Authority.

Accordingly these “Randora Urumaya” title deeds will be distributed to residents of Mihindu Sethpura, Sirisara Uyana, Metro housing complexes under the Urban Development Authority, and 31 flats under the National Housing Development Authority.

"As we continue to build our nation today, its benefits should extend to the common people. That’s why we have ensured that you receive full ownership of these flats. Our country is progressing, but for our economic development to continue, we must strive further to improve the quality of life for our people. This government has achieved what no other government has. We have empowered ordinary citizens by expanding Freehold land ownership across the country. Previous administrations focused primarily on ownership in the stock market—tracking share purchases and market fluctuations. Instead, we focused on empowering ordinary citizens," said the President.