Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government
The Minister answered a question on the Mahiyangana fair redevelopment, stating that the Pradeshiya Sabha decided in 2012 to remove old stalls and build a shopping complex and central weekly fair area under a Public-Private Partnership to improve public facilities and revenue. He said stall allocations were made to persons nominated by the Traders’ Association, with details tabled in the Library, and noted that allegations that MPs received stalls were not supported by the list. He also identified a rent anomaly involving Hanco Investment (Pvt) Ltd receiving 15,780 square feet for Rs. 5,000 per month while 150-square-foot stalls pay the same amount, saying it requires rectification. Land ownership remains with the Pradeshiya Sabha, while stallholders have lease rights for 25 years or until breach of conditions.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, answers:
¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes.
¶ 03 (ii) By resolution of 2012.10.22, the Sabha resolved to remove existing stalls in the fair premises and redevelop under a new plan—construct a shopping complex and develop a central area for the weekly fair, to meet public needs. Mahiyangana functions as a commercial centre for surrounding areas of Ampara (Dehiattakandiya, Padiyatalawa), Kandy (Minipe, Ududumbara), Badulla (Mahiyangana, Rideemaliyadda, Kandeketiya), and Monaragala (Bibila), necessitating enhanced facilities. The complex would also generate revenue and allow temporary relocation of the fair during construction with re-siting thereafter.
¶ 04 (iii) Implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Agreements were entered only with stallholders nominated in writing by the Traders’ Association. Allocation followed that basis. Detailed particulars are in Annex 1 tabled in the Library.
¶ 05 For the record, some names and observations: Several individuals and one company—Hanco Investment (Pvt) Ltd—were allocated spaces. There is an issue where Hanco has 15,780 square feet at a monthly rent of Rs. 5,000; while 150 sq. ft. stalls are also at Rs. 5,000. This requires rectification.
¶ 06 A list of individual stallholders on ground and upper floors has been provided. Additionally, there has been public commentary alleging MPs obtained stalls. This list shows no MP from our district or otherwise as stall recipients.
¶ 07 (iv) Names, number of stalls, and monthly rents are as per the tabled annex.
¶ 08 (v) Land ownership remains with the Pradeshiya Sabha. Stall rights vest with stallholders under lease agreements for 25 years from the date of agreement or until any breach of conditions—whichever occurs first.
¶ 09 (b) Not applicable.
Provenance
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- Hansard, Wednesday, 8 October 2025 ·No. 22594 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 8 October 2025. No. 22594. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/18755