By: Isuru Parakrama
October 22, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated efforts to recover a significant sum of Rs. 660 million, deposited as a security for a private building in Rajagiriya during a previous government’s tenure.
M.P.N.M. Wickremesinghe, the current Secretary to the Ministry, revealed that legal advice from the Attorney General’s Department is being sought to address this financial irregularity.
The building, which was rented for ministry use under the Good Governance (Yahapalanaya) Government, has been at the centre of controversy due to the handling of the rental deposit.
Speaking to the media, Wickremesinghe confirmed that despite the building having been vacated some years ago, the substantial deposit remains unaccounted for.
The Secretary pointed out that typical procedure requires a bond to be secured from a bank for such transactions, but this crucial step appears to have been overlooked.
The ministry has uncovered various irregularities related to the transaction, Wickremesinghe further disclosed, adding that the building was rented during the tenure of former Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake at a staggering Rs. 21 million per month.
At the time, the arrangement faced public scrutiny, as the building was owned by the husband of well-known film actress Sabitha Perera.
The exorbitant rent raised eyebrows, fuelling allegations of misuse of public funds.
Despite the concerns voiced over the years, it appears that no concrete action was taken by the former administration to retrieve the deposit after the building was returned.
The failure to pursue the return of the funds has now prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to launch an internal investigation into these financial discrepancies.
Wickremesinghe assured the public that the ministry is taking all necessary steps to recover the funds and hold accountable those responsible for the irregularities.
The issue has also drawn the attention of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, which is currently investigating fraud and corruption in government institutions between January 2015 and December 2018.
The Commission is expected to examine the role of the individuals involved in the questionable lease agreement.
