6. Functions of the Authority

The functions of the Authority shall be to-

implement plans, programmes and projects of the Government for the development of new villages in the designated areas in consultation with the Minister;

co-ordinate with other national, provincial and district level implementing agencies in the plantation region in working towards the achievement of the objects of the Authority;

facilitate the issuance of title deeds for the legal occupants of the houses in the Estates within the designated areas to grant them ownership of such houses;

provide assistance to the youth in the estate sector in the designated areas to enter the tertiary and higher educational institutions for their educational development;

work with Provincial Council Ministries and other regional level offices of the Government

promote alternative livelihood opportunities and provide necessary guidance and inputs in respect thereof to the Estate communities in the designated areas;

empower the different community groups in the estate sector including women, children, elders and differently abled people to uplift their livelihood;

ensure that descendants of legal occupants of the houses in Estates are provided with all facilities that are enjoyed by such legal occupants in Estates in the designated areas;

strengthen conservation measures at all levels, both preventive and remedial, aimed at minimizing physical degradation of land and water resources and eliminating environmental pollution in the designated areas;

identify hazardous sites, in consultation with the National Building Research Organization and the National Disaster Management

promote the provision of adequate social services and adequate sustainable infrastructure facilities in the designated areas.