Probe on land deal involving Casino King James Packer

The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development has launched an investigation regarding the controversial land issue which is sold to the Lake Leisure Company situated between D R Wijewardene Mawatha and Chittampalam A Gardner Mawatha opposite the Lake House building, the Ministry announced yesterday.

Addressing a media briefing Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the subject land was leased for 30 years by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) under the Rajapaksa regime to Rank Car Park owned Mr.ravi Wijeratne and later extended to 50 years and resold to the Lake Leisure Company which belongs to Australian national Casino King James D. Packer.

“On March 23, 2007 following a proposal made by the Cabinet subcommittee on investment facilities which was headed by the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa the land was given to Rank Car Park on a 30 year lease and in 2009 again the decision was recalled and the same committee extended the 30-year term to 50 years and allowed the said person the opportunity to build a multi storey car park and a commercial shopping complex without any tender calling.

Minister Ranawaka said on that occasion, the land valuation for 30 years was estimated for Rs.1300 million and Rank Car Park had given 100 million to the UDA on August 4, 2009. After that he has paid several amounts at 6 different times and came to a proper decision on the said land with the UDA on March 25, 2013.

However, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa had later given the land to Lake Leisure Company belonging to James D. Packer to initiate a shopping complex and a Casino business, and it was withdrew in 2015 when the Unity government cancelled Casino tax reliefs.

It was reported that the Government Valuer’s department estimated the land for 50 years for Rs million 2785 and the Rank car park paid 20% of that amount which is Rs. 577 million.