-Written by a special correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -13.Nov.2024, 11.00 pm) Reports indicate that large portions of land belonging to the Mahaweli Development Project in areas like Hambantota, Sooriyawewa, and Walsapugala were transferred for private solar projects due to the Rajapaksa family’s political influence during the 2024 presidential election period. Despite these lands having immense value, they were reportedly leased at only 4% of their worth, resulting in significant financial losses for the government.
Shasheendra Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa, and many of their political associates are alleged to have taken substantial under-the-table payments during the land allocations for these projects. The leases were granted on a 30-year basis at just 4% of the land value, causing the state to lose millions. Reports suggest that around 500 million rupees in bribes were exchanged and divided among Rajapaksa family members.
This transfer of land was carried out under the oversight of the Mahaweli Resident Project Manager in Embilipitiya, who granted approval for these lands to be diverted from agricultural use to private projects, sparking intense public criticism. This shift has led to significant economic hardship for local residents who relied on agriculture for their livelihoods, and the ecosystem suffered as well, affecting both wildlife habitats and human economic stability.
The economic and nutritional losses due to deforestation, coupled with rising carbon emissions, increasing temperatures, severe water scarcity, and human-elephant conflicts, have devastated the area. This land was secretly divided among close associates of the Rajapaksa family despite these hardships. To shield these deals legally, the Mahaweli Project Manager in Embilipitiya is alleged to have approved them, prioritizing the bribes received over public welfare, despite local opposition.
It is recommended that these projects be halted and properly re-evaluated.
Firstly, all lands unjustly allocated to the Rajapaksa family’s associates should be reclaimed by the government. The Mahaweli Resident Project Manager in Embilipitiya should be questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department to identify those responsible for these actions.
Activists and critics suggest halting the solar projects, conducting accurate valuations, and reallocating these lands for community benefit. The land should be returned to the government and used for agriculture, development projects, and direct benefit to the local community.
This incident serves as another example of how political power has been exploited to enrich the Rajapaksa family and their associates while harming public resources. Namal Rajapaksa famously challenges authorities by saying, “If you can, try to recover our money from Uganda,” boasting that their thefts are hidden within a system of their own making. It highlights the challenges of uncovering such acts, as the Rajapaksas’ influence has created an elusive system.
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by (2024-11-13 22:05:53)
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