Patali slams GoSL for deviating from due process

Colombo lands to be given without calling for tenders" alleges Patali Champika

by Zulfick Farzan 07-07-2020 | 5:06 PM

Colombo (News 1st); Ex-Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka alleged the Rajapaksa Government has already planned to give away multiple plots of land in Colombo to foreign nationals and entities deviating from due process.

Speaking to News 1st the Ex-Minister said the lands in question were released by the former government for development purposes.

Patali Champika Ranawaka said after the Presidential Poll, the plot located behind the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo was given away without even calling for a single tender.

He further said the Manning Market was to be moved to Peliyagoda by the former government and the land in Pettah was to be developed into the Colombo Pettah/Fort Multi-Modal Transport Hub.

However, Champika Ranawka said reports suggest the government is planning on handing over these lands to overseas entities without calling for tenders.

The Ex-Minister went on to note the Meethotamulla land which was to be used for development purposes is also most likely to be sold off to foreign nationals by the present government.

" The Government said the Colombo Light Rail Transit System project will be done as a PPP. However, Prime Minister Rajapaksa is yet to announce if lands will be given to the private investor. Both leaders are not providing a clear answer to this," alleged Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Patali Champika Ranawaka firmly believes the present government would sign the MCC agreement after the 05th of August.