The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, the answers are:

¶ 02 (a) (i) 57 shops. (ii) 52 shops. (iii) The proposals/decisions taken at the discussion held at the Governor’s Official Residence on 24 September 2019 have been presented via an annex; it is tabled. (iv) They are being implemented at present. (v) Six shops with rental arrears were sealed on 20 February 2024. In accordance with Section 266 of the Municipal Councils Ordinance, a notice to terminate tenancy effective 03 March 2025 has been issued, and thereafter within one month the shops will be taken back to the Council. Legal action is being initiated by the Legal Officer to recover arrears.

¶ 03 Annex tabled:

¶ 04 Meeting regarding long-term leasing of the Polonnaruwa Public Commercial Complex (City Center), held on 14.09.2019 at 10.00 a.m. at the Governor’s Official Residence, chaired by the Hon. Governor of North Central Province, with participation of the Hon. Mayor, Chief Secretary, Provincial Commissioner of Local Government, and senior officials. Key decisions included: - Proceed with long-term leasing (minimum 30 years as decided by the Municipal Council) as a secure investment. - Call for investment proposals via tri-lingual national press advertisements; also directly invite reputable business brands. - Establish an evaluation committee chaired by the Municipal Engineer, with the Municipal Council Legal Officer and the Provincial Local Government Department Accountant. - Obtain full Council approval and the Governor’s approval under Section 40(1)(e) of the Municipal Councils Ordinance. - The three-storey, 58-shop complex may be leased by floors or shop units as per the evaluation committee’s decision.