Social media platforms have reported that Minister of Agriculture Bimal Ratnayake issued a notice yesterday (06) calling for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) along with all officials of its affiliated institutions.
According to these reports, the decision to remove the UDA Chairman is linked to actions taken regarding the Thummulla Fentara project. He has been accused of violating municipal regulations and the relevant Act, increasing the number of floors by thirty-five (35) beyond the approved limit, and allegedly providing false information to secure approval from the Urban Development Authority.
Residents and civil society organizations have already initiated legal proceedings, claiming that there are clear signs of fraud or corruption within the UDA. Allegations include manipulating land to connect separate special zones and preparing false documentation with the intention of deliberately increasing the number of floors for the project.
Media reports further state that this issue significantly contributed to the loss of the ministerial portfolio of Anura Karunathilake, who previously served as the Minister of Urban Development. However, following a cabinet reshuffle, he was assigned a new ministry, while the former UDA Chairman was appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply.
After returning to the country from an official overseas visit following the cabinet reshuffle, Minister Bimal Ratnayake reviewed the activities of the Urban Development Authority. During this review, information was reportedly uncovered regarding several alleged illegal transactions that had occurred in the past.
Additionally, serious attention has been directed toward a major financial fraud reportedly committed within the UDA. The Minister has instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate legal action against the former Legal Director, who is believed to be responsible for the incident.
The news that was reported on social media!
