Minister Arjuna warns Railway employees about hesitating to act against fraudulent land deals

Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has cautioned Railway employees about being hesitant to take action against individuals  involved in misusing lands owned by the Railways Department.

"Some officials are wilfully delaying the process of sending letters against those who are involved in misusing or defrauding lands belonging to the Railways Department. If someone is afraid of doing so they can handover the letters to me (to take further action)," the Minister said during a progress review meeting with Railway employees in Battaramulla today (May 07).

He also pointed out that the Railways Department could function solely through the income generated by these lands which are being sold illegally to third party individuals. The Transport Minister also emphasised that employees must earn a living only after fulfilling their duties and not by resorting to illegal means.

Further, Mr. Ranatunga observed that the Railways Department owns 14,129 hectares of land out of which 8,756 acres have been allocated for railway stations, rail tracks, control rooms and other relevant offices.

"Only 536 acres of land have been leased out 5364 acres of land could be given on lease," the Minister said pointing out that Rs 14,617 million could be generated if these lands were leased out completely.

In order to do so, Mr. Ranatunga noted that documents pertaining to these lands are being compiled at present while steps will be taken to establish a separate unit each in the Railways department to lease out the lands and collect the revenue generated by doing so.