Controversial Malwana land used by Basil taken over by Justice Ministry

A 15-acre land and building in Malwana, widely believed to be of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and later disclaimed is to be made use for a proposed development project of the state, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe said. 

The Justice Minister today visited the site and told reporters that a cabinet paper will be submitted shortly on the proposed development project for which the land will be used.

The Minister said that the land was acquired by the Justice Ministry after all persons whose names were in the deeds disclaimed ownership of the land and the building that existed.

The building was burnt down during the Aragalaya campaign in 2022.

The Justice Minister said that the building was initially due to be made use for an international Judges training centre. However, since the building was destroyed the proposal could not be implemented.

In June last year the Pugoda Magistrate’s Court ordered the disputed 16-acre land and house in Malwana to be auctioned after former minister Basil Rajapaksa and its registered owner denied ownership of the property. 

In June last year former Minister of Economic Development, through his lawyers informed the court that he has no connection to the property located on Gangabada Road in Malwana,

Later former Minister Basil Rajapaksa and businessman Thirukumar Nadesan were acquitted over the case filed pertaining to a property in Malwana.

Legal action was filed against the former Minister over the alleged misappropriation of state funds to purchase a plot of land and build a luxurious home in Malwana.

Pix by: Eshan Fernando