Impact of the restriction on succession under the land development ordinance on land use and development - need for a planned approach

Abstract

Land Use Planning is a multi disciplinary activity essential for a country like Sri Lanka, for its sustainable development. Many attempts have been made by the Governments in this direction by introducing several laws and Ordinances which have the impact . Land is a basic resource and the arrangements for its uses determine the development of a country . Hence Land Tenure is important in developing the land uses and development. In 1935, the Land Development Ordinance was introduced to develop, manage and alienate State lands in a planned manner. The concept of Unitary Succession , which was not applicable at that stage was introduced by this Ordinance to put the lands into better use. But this Ordinance did not have a multi disciplinary approach. This study is intended to analyse the impact on succession under this Ordinance on land use and development . The study revealed that even after 60 years of operation the unitary succession as laid down in the L D O acceptable to the allottee . This combined with the failure of the authorities to review the operation of the system at is not fully IV regular intervals has contributed to the present unsatisfactory situation of low production and low quality of life of those living on lands alienated under the L D 0 . The study shows the need for an integrated approach in planning for the alienation of lands under the L D O .