UDA TO INTERVENE

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is to acquire a 240-perch land situated along Parliament Road (in front of the Speaker’s house), after several individuals attempted to lay claims to it.

The land which was considered to be a part of the Kotte Kingdom, lies opposite a meditation centre along Parliament road adjacent to the Speaker’s residence. Commercially valued at approximately Rs. 720 million the land which belongs to another private entity has remained vacant over the years.

Ven. Korathota Vessabu Thero, Chief Incumbent of the meditation centre speaking to the Daily Mirror said that several individuals had begun clearing out the land recently. “I informed the relevant authorities as I was sure they did not have the deeds to the land as they claimed.”

The Speaker himself had then directed that steps be taken to halt all activities taking place on the land.

“These individuals have requested that the ownership of this particular property, which belongs to another party, be transferred to them on several occasions. However, we have refused to comply with these wishes as the land is situated in close proximity to the Parliament and is frequented by parliamentarians,” UDA Chairman Dr. Jagath Munasinghe said.

Munesinghe went on to say that construction could not be approved on the land due to security reasons. “Therefore, the UDA has taken steps to acquire the land to ensure such a situation does not re-occur.”

These individuals have requested that the ownership of this particular property, which belongs to another party, be transferred to them on several occasions. However, we have refused to comply with these wishes as the land is situated in close proximity to the Parliament and is frequented by parliamentarians