A recent investigation by the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing has revealed that the Jaffna Presidential Palace was constructed on land illegally acquired from local residents, Lankadeepa reported.
The report states that eight individuals have come forward claiming legal ownership of the land on which the palace was built, creating complications for handing the property over to potential investors.
Commenting on the issue, Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, Anura Karunathilaka, said that all ownership disputes must be fully resolved before the property can be offered to any investor. He noted that steps are currently being taken to clear these legal obstacles.
Several parties, including an investor from Canada, have already expressed interest in acquiring the Jaffna President’s House for various investment purposes.
Constructed between 2010 and 2015, the President’s House is located on approximately 30 acres of land in Kankesanthurai. Buildings have been erected on about 15 of those acres. It is reported that about Rs 3.5 billion has been spent for these constructions.
