A controversial land transaction involving a three-acre property near Diyawanna Oya in Kotte has raised fresh questions over alleged environmental damage, ownership claims, and regulatory approvals, according to information received regarding the property.
The land, situated along Ranaviru Prabath Mawatha, Kotte, is reportedly being considered for sale by former Minister S. B. Dissanayake to a private construction company. Allegations have emerged that the property was created through the unauthorized reclamation of mangrove ecosystems and marshlands surrounding Diyawanna Oya approximately two decades ago.
According to the allegations, during the period when former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was in power, Dissanayake allegedly used his political influence to facilitate the destruction of wetland vegetation and the expansion of a smaller legally held property into a much larger area.
The property is reportedly registered with the municipal council under assessment number 126/15. Municipal records indicate an assessed value of Rs. 52,066, with an annual assessment tax of Rs. 10,933.88, payable in quarterly instalments of Rs. 2,733.47.
However, questions have been raised regarding the extent of legal ownership. It is alleged that the former minister’s legitimate ownership is limited to around seven perches of land registered under the name of his father-in-law, the father of his wife, Tamara Dissanayake. The seven-perch property was reportedly purchased from unauthorized occupants who had been living in the area.
The allegations further claim that these occupants were later provided alternative government land in the Biyagama area, with arrangements allegedly made during Dissanayake’s period of political influence.
According to the information received, the seven-perch property was later expanded into a three-acre plot through additional reclamation works. It is alleged that deeds and survey documents relating to the expanded land were created improperly. Claims have also been made that no approvals were obtained from relevant institutions, including the Urban Development Authority, the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, or the Central Environmental Authority, for the reclamation or development activities.
Around 25 perches of the property were reportedly sold several years ago to a relative of a former powerful UNP politician from the Kotte area for a proposed condominium project. The project was later abandoned after approval issues reportedly emerged, including the lack of a proper access road.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Narada Dissanayake, the former minister’s eldest son, has been operating a car racing track on part of the property.
Recent developments have added further attention to the land. It is alleged that equipment and belongings from the site were removed by Dissanayake and his wife using large trucks and transported to their residence in Battaramulla.
Sources claim that efforts are currently underway to acquire neighbouring properties to create an access route to the land. It is alleged that approximately Rs. 200 million has already been spent on purchasing properties required for this purpose, with survey work reportedly being conducted by surveyor Ananda Mathararchchi of Homagama.
Amid expectations that a new government may investigate disputed land transactions, allegations have emerged that Dissanayake is seeking to sell the property to a major construction company before further scrutiny takes place.
By a Special Correspondent