Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga announced yesterday that 8,000 residents of apartments owned by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) will receive title deeds next month as part of the government's program to grant ownership to apartment dwellers in Colombo.

Additionally, the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) plans to issue 1,070 title deeds to residents of Colombo apartments. This initiative follows President Ranil Wickremesinghe's Budget pledge to provide 50,000 Colombo flat owners with title deeds.

According to the UDA, 14,559 units in 22 housing complexes have been allocated to low-income individuals. The first phase of title deed distribution will focus on UDA housing projects such as Mihindu Senpura, Sirisara Garden, Methsara Garden, Lakmuthu Sewana, and Sirimuthu Garden.

Further distributions will cover housing projects like Laksandha Sevana, Randiya Uyana, Lakmuthu Uyana, Muwadora Uyana, Siyapath Sevana, Puradora Sevana, Jayamaga Sevana, Mihijaya Sevana, Helamuthu Sevana, Laksetha Sevana, and Lakhiru Sevana by the end of the year. The NHDA will start by issuing deeds for apartments within the Colombo Municipal Council areas.

Ownership transfer delays have been due to issues with certain regulations. The Minister noted that he has consulted with the Attorney General for necessary guidance.

Minister Ranatunga assured that all Colombo flat owners will receive their title deeds by the end of this year.