'Land deal transparent'

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated that a sum of US $ 261.5 million received by the sale of the 20 acre land to the Shangri-La and Karthik companies who are foreign investors had been deposited in Treasury account number 6000 in a transparent manner. Cabinet approval had been received for this project and the gazette also released.

'Some political parties are trying to create a bad image of the government and are trying to create a misconception among the public,' he said.

Minister Abeywardena expressed these views addressing a press briefing held at the Information Department yesterday. 'The main Opposition party is saying that the government had lost a number of benefits due to the sale of the 20 acre land to foreign companies.

'But they have forgotten the loss which incurred due to the sale of the Wellawatta Weaving and Spinning Mills for Rs.170 million.

'Both Shangri-La and Karthik are world famous leading companies who are involved in tourism and they have signed agreements with the Sri Lankan government to initiate these projects in Sri Lanka within 42 months. If it is not so, action would be taken to re-vest these lands with the government.

According to these agreements they have to build a hotel with 500 rooms,a shopping complex and an apartment,he added.

Tourism Promotion Bureau Managing Director Rooby also participated in the press briefing.