The Inter-University Students’ Federation staged a protest today (14), demanding that the land and property in Malwana, currently regarded as ownerless, be handed over to universities and the public for public use.
The protesters recalled the pledge made by the current government when it came to power to “return the property stolen from the people back to the people.”
They emphasized that universities are facing severe space limitations and called for the property to be allocated for educational and public purposes.
The property in question, which spans approximately 15 acres, was taken over by the Ministry of Justice after no legal owner was identified.
This followed former minister Basil Rajapaksa informing the court through his legal representatives that he had no connection to the property.
Subsequently, the court ordered that the house and land be auctioned.
During the period of public protests, parts of the house were set on fire, causing damage to sections of the property.
Although there were later plans to establish an international referee research and training centre at the premises, the facility has remained non-operational for a long time.
Against this backdrop, the Inter-University Students’ Federation has renewed its call for the ownerless property to be handed over for their use.
