The Hon. Rohana Bandara

¶ 01 Thank you for the response, Hon. Deputy Minister. The Land Reform Commission (LRC) holds a large extent of land in Sri Lanka. However, we do not see proper studies or an accurate ledger of the totality of such lands within your institution. Recently we observed the manner in which compost fertilizer was produced using LRC funds—particularly in the Anuradhapura District—at large scale. If fertilizer was produced, where did it go, and who distributed it? There is no information. Machines brought to those sites have been removed, and in some places the sites are now overgrown. We also saw large-scale land alienations to associates, to retired military officers, to businessmen. In Ratnapura, Anuradhapura, and anywhere there are LRC lands, once the lists were obtained, actions led to those lands being granted accordingly. We are aware this happened extensively. Your group came to power with a special pledge to curb corruption and malpractice and to enforce penalties. I would like to know from you about these matters.

¶ 02 First, as I requested, please study and inform this House of the exact extent of land held by the LRC. Also, if there have been irregularities in the past—regarding fertilizer production or land alienation—are you prepared to act and punish the responsible parties? I would like to know that as well.