Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Private firm alleges illegal land seizure by Kaduwela officials
A private company has lodged a police complaint against Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal and an NPP Member of Parliament, accusing them of forcibly taking over land in Athurugiriya for a Metro bus stand development.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The company's legal representatives have informed media outlets that the land in question, located in the Athurugiriya area, was allegedly seized without proper authorization or compensation. According to the complaint, Mayor Jayalal and NPP MP Asitha Niroshana were involved in the takeover, which the firm claims was carried out to establish a bus stand facility for the Metro transit system.
The lawyers representing the company have expressed concern over the lack of police action on their formal complaint, suggesting possible delays or reluctance in investigating the allegations. The matter raises questions about land acquisition procedures and the authority of local officials to repurpose private property for public infrastructure projects.
The incident reflects ongoing disputes over property rights and development priorities in the Kaduwela area. While government-backed infrastructure projects are common across Sri Lanka, the manner in which land is acquired and compensation handled remains a contentious issue. The case is likely to draw attention to the balance between public interest development and private property protections under Sri Lankan law.