May 24, Colombo (LNW): The Committee on Public Enterprises (CoPE) has uncovered a series of alleged land-related irregularities linked to the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA), raising fresh concerns over the management of state-owned properties and long-term leasing practices.
CoPE Chairman, MP Dr. Nishantha Samaraweera revealed that preliminary findings point to possible financial losses incurred through questionable agreements involving public land and buildings administered by the authority.
Among the matters highlighted during the committee’s review was the operation of a Carlton preschool within a section of the Maligawatte housing complex since 1999 under what was described as a significantly undervalued arrangement.
According to CoPE, the premises had reportedly been leased or utilised at rates considerably below the government’s assessed market value over an extended period.
Samaraweera stated that investigators were examining how the agreement had remained in place for decades without proper revisions or reassessments despite changes in commercial property values and state regulations. Concerns were also raised over whether due administrative procedures had been followed when approving the arrangement.
The CoPE Chairman said the committee viewed the matter seriously, particularly given the potential impact on public revenue and accountability within state institutions. He added that several additional transactions and property-related dealings involving the Housing Authority are also being reviewed for possible irregularities.
In light of the findings, CoPE has decided to forward the relevant information to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as well as the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption for further legal examination