The Hon. M.A.M. Thahir

¶ 01 Under Standing Order 27(2), I ask the following from the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government regarding the Cultural Centre built on land belonging to Kottantivu Mohideen Jumma Mosque, in the Kottantivu GN Division, Mundal DS Division, Puttalam District:

¶ 02 1. Is he aware that although the cultural centre—constructed on mosque waqf land at the mosque’s request using Government funds allocated in 2017 and, via special allocations, in 2023—was completed in March 2024, it has remained closed for nearly two years and has not been handed over for public use by the Puttalam District Secretariat and Mundal Divisional Secretariat? 2. Is he aware that property designated as waqf for a mosque cannot be appropriated for other purposes except in accordance with waqf law? 3. Is he aware that the District Secretariat has initiated steps to appropriate this land, as informed by letter dated 29.01.2026, and that the mosque’s written objections dated 10.02.2026, copied to the Minister and others, have been officially sent? 4. Is he aware that, on this land, both the mosque and infrastructure for the Kottantivu village pipe-borne water scheme were built with Government funds, and are being managed by a community organization? 5. If so: (i) What are the reasons preventing the cultural centre—situated on the mosque’s land, for which the mosque has been paying the electricity and water bills and has developed internal access—to be managed and maintained under the mosque? (ii) If it can be handed over for management and maintenance by the mosque, when and by whom will it be done? (iii) What action will be taken against officials responsible for decisions that have delayed or obstructed handover?