The ownership of Weligama Boutique Hotel, under the W15 brand, expressed dissatisfaction with Minister Tiran Alas, the Minister of Public Security. Lanka Realty Investments PLC, the owning company, conveyed its concern in a letter to the Minister, highlighting several inaccurate and irresponsible statements made during a news conference on January 18, 2024, chaired by Mr Tiran Alas and Acting Inspector General of Police Mr Deshbandu Tennakoon regarding Operation Justice.
The Minister falsely claimed that 15 individuals were arrested for drug possession at W15 Weligama Hotel during police raids, a statement vehemently denied by Lanka Realty Investments PLC. Moreover, Mr. Tiran Alas accused the hotel of being linked to a drug trafficker named Harak Kata, which the company strongly refutes, emphasizing that events on Weligama Beach, being a public space, are beyond their control.
The company clarified that Mr Tiran Alas’ assertion that the ownership of W15 Hotel would safeguard it was untrue. The managing director questioned the actions of the Criminal Investigation Division during the Weligama shooting incident, expressing concern for the safety of local and foreign tourists.
Lanka Realty Investments PLC urged Minister Tiran Alas to refrain from making false and threatening statements, citing the regrettable misuse of his powers. The company warned of potential legal action to address the damage caused to its reputation.
In response to challenges in attracting foreign tourists to Sri Lanka, the company addressed the Sri Lanka Hotel Association, asserting that Minister Tiran Alas’ statements would adversely affect the entire tourism industry. They requested the association to draw the attention of the President and the Minister of Tourism, urging them to prevent the dissemination of false information by government officials in the future.
