Peradeniya University in legal battle to reclaim its land
View(s):The University of Peradeniya (UoP) is trying to regain a plot of prime land, which is being used for a weekly fair by villagers, with the backing of the Gangawata Korele Pradeshiya Sabha (PS).
According to UoP Vice-Chancellor Prof Upul B. Dissanayake, the land, belonging to the UoP, had been given on a 1-year lease in 1995.
“However, the lease had not been extended and payment ceased, with no agreement after that period. Thereafter, some people made unauthorised use of this land, to which the UoP had to face many audit queries,” he said.
“Recently, when the UoP decided to re-establish its ownership, to use it for its activities, a group of people, including representatives from the Gangawata Korele PS, occupied the land by force, compelling the UoP to resort to Legal action against this unlawful act,” he explained. - MNC