• For posters, advertisements and matters pertaining to publicity

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

More than one billion rupees have been spent by the Ministry of Housing for publicity and to enhance the image of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa during his tenure as the Minister of Housing in the previous government, State Minister of Rural Housing and Building Material Promotion Indika Anuruddha told Parliament yesterday. 

Minister Anuruddha said more than one billion rupees have been spent for posters, advertisements and matters pertaining to publicity.

“We are sad that Mr. Premadasa is not present today to respond to these allegations,” he said.

MP Diana Gamage said a project under which 45 reawakened villages in Welioya has come to a standstill. “The previous government had promised to provide Rs 800,000 for each house in these villages but had provided only Rs 300,000. 

Some recipients have been able to put up the foundation.

 They use polythene as shelter,” she said.   

• The previous government had promised to provide Rs 800,000 for each house in these villages but had provided only Rs 300,000