The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chair, Hon. Lakmali Hemachandra stated that I and former Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe laid a foundation stone for the Kandy Lawyers’ Office Complex without approvals. While the Urban Development Minister and his officials were present in the Gallery, I requested expediting this; but the Hon. Member assumes we acted without approvals. I request she studies the documents I now table: UDA’s letter agreeing to release part of the land (previously given to CEB) for expanding the Kandy Lawyers’ Complex; the Kandy Bar Association’s letter accepting the land; and other related correspondence.

¶ 02 I also have the Cabinet Memorandum drafted then by Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga and Ali Sabry; though unsigned, Cabinet approval has since been granted jointly by the Justice Minister Ali Sabry and the Urban Development & Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. Therefore, please do not make unfounded claims in this House. All approvals were obtained before commencing. If there are errors, correct them and proceed. In Gampola, the lawyers’ complex land is under the Divisional Secretary; in Galle and Matara, court complex lands are under the Justice Ministry. We shouldn’t be hindered by official inaction. I table all documents.