The Hon. Ajith P. Perera

¶ 01 Hon. Minister, you must immediately institute disciplinary action against the official who gave you those details. The 244 acres and 20.41 perches were acquired under the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2113/64 dated 2019.03.08 under Section 38(6). Acquisition is complete. There is nothing left to acquire.

¶ 02 Moreover, as you stated, over a billion rupees has already been invested for water, roads and electricity. Therefore, the claim that lands are yet to be acquired is false and partisan. The person with the largest stake in Horana Plantations sat as your Chairman. In February this year, the President announced public–private EPZs across Sri Lanka. For this land, basic infrastructure is done, surveys completed, and Section 38 has been invoked; stating that alienation has not been done is false and you are being misled.

¶ 03 Further, are you aware that on 2024.04.22—before your Government assumed office—there was a proposal to return these lands to Horana Plantations? A massive sum has already been spent: pipes laid, electricity paid for, roads partly done. Yet, the work is halted.

¶ 04 Regarding the case, it concerns only the valuation of rubber cultivation—Horana Plantations sought higher compensation than the Government valuer’s assessment. The company holds only leasehold rights; they do not own the soil. These are LRC lands. Due to neglect by the legal side, the case has dragged on.

¶ 05 This valuable 244 acres adjacent to the Southern Expressway has been acquired. Act against the officials misleading you. Will you take disciplinary action?