The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism

Jathika Jana balawegaya· National List· 9 May 2025 ·Oral question: Oral Question: National-Level Stadiums in Northern and Eastern Provinces (Q.1/2024)

Public FinanceInfrastructure

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Responding on behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the Mahiyanganaya tourist centre covers 6,928 square metres and was built at a cost of Rs. 10,394,662.02 by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism to provide facilities for local and foreign tourists. He said it is currently leased to Mr. Ravindra Anura Widanagama for Rs. 36,000 per month, and that the original objective does not appear to be fulfilled under the present arrangement. He added that leased state properties under the Ministry are to be revalued by the Government Valuation Department and re-leased under proper market conditions and procedures.

Verbatim record (translated)

Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 (a)(i) Yes. (a)(ii) 6,928 square metres. (a)(iii) Rs. 10,394,662.02. (a)(iv) Mahiyanganaya is a well-known destination for large numbers of local and foreign tourists. The centre was built to provide basic facilities for such visitors and to promote attraction to the area. (a)(v) The centre was constructed by the Uva Provincial Ministry of Tourism, but it is currently operated on a lease basis. Therefore, it does not appear that the original objective is being fulfilled in that manner.

¶ 03 (b)(i) Yes. (b)(ii) Mr. Ravindra Anura Widanagama. (b)(iii) Rs. 36,000.00 per month.

¶ 04 (c) Not applicable.

¶ 05 Regarding concerns raised: there are many state properties currently under lease. We intend to have such premises under our Ministry, particularly those leased out, re-valued through the Government Valuation Department and re-leased under proper market conditions and due procedure.

Provenance

Source: Hansard, Friday, 9 May 2025 ·No. 1748600585013314 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe - Deputy Minister of Tourism. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 9 May 2025. No. 1748600585013314. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/24683