Politicians, associates, and officials have received crores of rupees and government land under the guise of cultivation projects, but have misused the resources for personal gain, Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna revealed in Parliament.
He stated that an investigation is underway into these irregular allocations.
According to him, former Minister Salinda Dissanayake had acquired 76 acres of fertile land from the Kurunegala Plantation Company for a company he personally established.
Additionally, 21 acres of fertile land from the Kurunegala Plantation Company was handed over to an associate of former Minister Arundika Fernando, under the false claim that it was barren land, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa signing the approval.
The Minister also revealed that Anoma Gamage, wife of former Primary Industries Minister Dayagamage, had received Rs. 140 million for an agricultural project, but no project was implemented.
During the Parliamentary debate on the expenditure head of the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, Vidyarathna disclosed that:
- Rs. 180 million had been allocated to former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda for a cultivation project, and
- Rs. 82 million was given to the son of former Ministry Secretary Bandula Wickramarachchi, also for a cultivation project.
The revelations have raised serious concerns over corruption and misuse of public resources, prompting calls for greater accountability in the management of government lands and funds.
