The Cabinet Subcommittee has taken steps to provide permanent solutions to long-standing land issues faced by residents in the Welimada, Uva Paranagama and Hali Ela Divisional Secretariat divisions due to the Uma Oya project.

The government said the decision was taken after considering objections raised by affected residents regarding previous compensation assessments, following which a new scientific assessment had been carried out.As the first phase of the compensation process, more than Rs. 300 million has been allocated for 276 individuals whose lands were acquired during the construction of the Uma Oya project reservoirs.

Accordingly, compensation cheques worth Rs. 1.2 million each were distributed to 73 families from the Uva Paranagama and Welimada Divisional Secretariat divisions at the Badulla District Secretariat today (12).The decisions were taken following an observation visit conducted by the Cabinet Subcommittee to the affected areas.Authorities said a large number of beneficiaries had already accepted and signed for the compensation they are entitled to.

Through the program the government expects to resolve several issues related to land ownership and compensation in the Welimada, Uva Paranagama and Hali Ela Divisional Secretariat divisions arising from the Uma Oya project.