Some politically influential individuals are alleged to have grabbed 165 acres in a prime tourist location at Kalpitiya in Puttalam, opposition politicians and residents have claimed.

Some people allegedly operating with the backing of a deputy minister had allegedly grabbed some 165 acres out of a 444-acre block of state land. In addition a 25-acre block of private land had also been grabbed. It is learnt that they had then used forged deeds to sell some of the land to foreigners at Rs.3 million an acre.

When United National Party (UNP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara raised this matter in parliament recently Land Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon vowed he would not allow this trend to continue and assured he would take action against those involved whatever their status might be.

The ministry had now instructed the area Divisional Secretariat to file action against the perpetrators.

A top ministry official told the Daily Mirror today that the ministry had no power to take legal action in this instance and as such the Alankuda Divisional Secretariat had been instructed to take whatever action necessary. He said action would also be taken against a licensed surveyor allegedly involved in surveying these lands for fragmentation.

“The land grabbing has been going on for months. Now, the Ministry is taking action against the wrong doers,” the official said.
 
Meanwhile, the CID is also investigating this case, but those affected claimed there had been no progress.

Shammi Silva, the owner of the private land, said he purchased the land at Rs.5.8 million when it was auctioned by a bank.

“When I went to take over the land, I realised they had been grabbed by some people with the backing of some politicians. A compliant was made to the CID. Investigations are now going on. My land has been blocked and sold off to six foreigners,” Mr. Silva said. (Kelum Bandara)