The Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I present facts based on information received. Out of 244 acres, 166 acres—Neuchattlewatta Land in Millaniya—are for the Milleniya EPZ. As per submissions, the pending case relates to compensation. Consequently, we were advised the process cannot proceed further pending proceedings.

¶ 02 Details show Rs. 91.5 million was set aside for acquisition. The lands, from LRC to the BOI purview, are then acquired. Of Rs. 91.5 million, Rs. 91.2 million has already been paid. Specifically, for 115 land parcels: 45 have been identified, 27 already fully paid with interest. Further provision has been requested to continue payments. Therefore, a legal case exists and has constrained further steps.

¶ 03 However, we can review if circumstances have changed. Since 2017 there have been fund reallocations before Milleniya EPZ work—e.g., Rs. 105 million was reallocated from Rs. 300 million previously provided. Over 2017 onward, complexities have arisen. We will gather accurate information and move development forward as soon as possible.