Kataragama gem land fetches Rs 270 m

Atapattu BANDARA

The controversial gem land in Kataragama was auctioned for Rs 270 million yesterday, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority (SLGJA) chairman Prasad Galahena said.

He said this is the first time that land was auctioned for such an amount in Sri Lanka. The auction was transparent, he said.

The gem land was auctioned amid a large gathering at the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha auditorium. The auction was held by the Pradeshiya Sabha under the supervision of SLGJA.

Galahena said 49 plots ranging from 10 -15 perches were auctioned and some plot of lands were sold even at Rs 20 million.

The SLGJA did not put forward a minimum amount for the value of the land. It is said that world's most precious and expensive gems are deposited in this area.

The land is under police protection and entrance for outsiders has been banned.