Accusations have long been circulating against Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga regarding the alleged forcible acquisition of state-owned land in the Thalawathugoda area and subsequent development activities. The controversy revolves around claims that Minister Ranatunga is attempting to reclaim a canal, construct a connecting road between two properties, and establish an office container on reserved land.
Minister Prasanna Ranatunga
The complainant, Ranjeewi De Silva, residing at house No. 700/107, Perera Mawatha, Thalawathugoda, accuses Minister Ranatunga of seizing a reserved portion, previously used as a dumping ground for garbage, adjacent to her property. Despite the land being designated for canal protection and waste disposal, Minister Ranatunga allegedly occupied it for office use, obstructing the canal and drainage systems. Legal action under case number 6136/17 has been initiated, urging the minister to vacate the encroached land, to which he has not complied.
Further investigation reveals that Minister Ranatunga, residing at Perera Mawatha, Thalawathugoda, has occupied unauthorized portions of government lands known as Dah Atalaga and Dolos Kumbura. Despite court orders and signboards indicating state ownership, Minister Ranatunga has failed to vacate the land. Moreover, accusations of unlawfully acquiring additional land and disregarding regulations prohibiting permanent structures on reserved land have been leveled against him.
In response, Minister Ranatunga’s wife, Maureen Stella Ranatunga, leased government reserve land for landscaping purposes, but allegations suggest this was done in violation of legal provisions. While the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation denies any wrongdoing, citing erosion concerns and permissible actions under the lease agreement, accusations persist regarding irregularities in land acquisition and development projects.
Regarding adjacent properties and drainage concerns, the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation asserts that measures to prevent soil erosion and canal bank erosion are being undertaken in accordance with legal provisions. However, accusations of obstructing water drains remain contentious, with conflicting accounts between the complainant and authorities.
Despite ongoing legal battles and media exposure, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga faces scrutiny for alleged land encroachment and irregularities. The complexity of the situation underscores the need for transparent governance and adherence to legal procedures to address such controversies effectively.
