The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake

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

Corruption & Governance ReformLand & Housing

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Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake questioned the lease of a 900-square-metre building reportedly costing Rs. 10,394,662 but rented for Rs. 36,000 per month, arguing that the rate is far below market value and asking what steps will be taken to rectify any politically influenced decision. He also asked whether the Ministry would act on alleged irregular land allocations in Badulla District, including areas linked to tourism sites such as Mini World’s End, Green View Village and Annasgala, which he said could obstruct tourism development projects.

Verbatim record (translated)

Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, my first supplementary is this: According to the Minister’s reply, Rs. 10,394,662 has been spent on a building of around 900 square metres, yet it is leased for Rs. 36,000 per month. Even a small 10x10 shop in Mahiyanganaya fetches over Rs. 50,000 per month. At this rate, it would take at least 24 years just to recover the capital cost, suggesting political influence in the leasing decision. What steps will you take to rectify this?

¶ 02 My second supplementary: The lessee is stated as Mr. Ravindra Anura Widanagama, a former Governor of Badulla District. In Badulla District, significant lands associated with tourist attractions have reportedly been irregularly divided among political actors—including areas around Mini World’s End (Meegahakivula), Green View Village in Bandarawela, and lands in Annasgala. Will the Ministry act regarding such alleged irregular allocations which hinder tourism development projects?

Provenance

Source: Hansard, Friday, 9 May 2025 ·No. 1748600585013314 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 9 May 2025. No. 1748600585013314. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/24684