Bimsaviya (e-Land Register) vs Sinnakkara: What's the Difference?

Old System vs New System.

For 200 years, we used the Deed System (Sinnakkara). Now, we are slowly switching to the Title System (Bimsaviya/Jayaboomi) under the Title Registration Act of 1998.

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1. Sinnakkara (Deeds)

• Basis: Proof of history. You own it because you bought it from A, who bought it from B... all the way back.
• Problem: If one deed in the chain is forged, your title is bad.
• Document: A long written Deed.

2. Bimsaviya (Title Certificate)

• Basis: Proof of register. You own it because the Government Computer says you do. Detailed history doesn't matter.
• Benefit: State Guarantee. If there is a fraud, the State compensates you. No need for 30-year searches.
• Document: A one-page Certificate Title with a Cadastral Map.

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3. Implementation Status (2025)

• Not all areas are "Declared Areas."
• If your area is gazetted for Bimsaviya, you must switch.
• Pros: Easy bank loans, no fraud.
• Cons: The conversion process is slow.

Advice: If purchasing Bimsaviya land, ensure the "Class of Title" is First Class. Second Class means there are still unresolved claims.

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