2026-02-18 / oral_question: Oral Question Q.1500/2025 - Estate Houses in Ratnapura District 2026-02-18
The Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure acknowledged that underutilized estate lands are difficult to release due to existing lease agreements with Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), citing the Deniyaya Hospital land dispute as an example of delays resolved only after government negotiation. He outlined the government's policy direction, in line with the President's position, that idle lands must be cultivated or sub-leased to capable parties in the national interest, with estate companies already notified of this requirement. Regarding state plantations (SLSPC, JEDB, and Elkaduwa Plantations), the Minister announced that several thousand acres have been advertised for lease and that a further approximately 5,000 acres will be advertised within six weeks through open, competitive processes. He also indicated that the government is considering action against private plantation companies that fail to cultivate or develop underutilized lands, and called on the House not to obstruct ongoing wage negotiations.
Hon. Speaker, the issue is real: there are underutilized lands in some estates, but heavy lease agreements with RPCs make releasing land difficult—even for public purposes. For example, the Deniyaya Hospital required land for years due to instability, but could not obtain land from the estate until we negotiated after this Government took office.
Post-cyclone, demands have increased for state functions, religious places and resettlement. While constraints exist, we cannot simply cite agreements; we must find solutions. The President has clearly stated that underutilized lands should not remain idle—they must be cultivated or given on sub-lease to those with capacity and need, to serve the national interest.
Accordingly, we have notified estate companies to cultivate their underutilized lands or sub-lease them. We have no objection to lands going to plantation workers, but under existing leases the Government cannot unilaterally allocate such lands; companies may sub-lease under the agreements.
As for state plantations—SLSPC, JEDB and Elkaduwa Plantations—following the President’s decision, we have already advertised to lease out several thousand acres of underutilized lands, and those processes are in their final stages. Within about six weeks, we will publish further advertisements to lease an additional approximately 5,000 acres. These will be open, competitive processes for eligible parties.
We are also considering appropriate Government action regarding private plantation companies that fail to cultivate or to develop via sub-leasing. I finally request the House’s support: please do not obstruct wage negotiations or create impediments. With your cooperation, we can deliver these programmes for plantation communities.