‘Lotus Tower’ project continues amidst Chinese project reviews
Amidst the government’s decision to review Chinese projects, the US$104.3 million ‘Lotus Tower’ project is being continued at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha Colombo.
“No decision has been taken to re-examine the Chinese EXIM Bank funded ‘Lotus Tower’ and the work is on according to schedule,” M.M. Zuhair, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) told Business Times.He pointed out that the massive development or improvement at D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha land covering 3.06 hectares is now underway spending a vast sum of money and it cannot be hindered at this stage of development. Over 50 per cent of the construction work relating to the height and around 80 per cent of the whole structure has been completed, he revealed.
Although, the ‘Lotus Tower is being built on a land belonging to Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a subject coming under the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, necessary cabinet approval has been given during the previous regime to implement the project, he added.“As far as the construction work is concerned there were no major issues and a proper procedure has been followed,” he said adding that any claimants for the land would be duly compensated by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).
He said the TRC is also examining documents to ascertain as to whether there has been any corruption or fraud committed by persons involved in the ‘Lotus Tower’ deal and if so necessary action will be taken by respective government authorities.
A Chinese conglomerate comprising China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) and Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co. Ltd (ALIT) has undertaken the project on a turnkey basis according to the concept and preliminary design done by local experts.
SLPA Chairman Dr. Lakdas Panagoda noted that there are certain issues relating to this massive ‘Lotus Tower’ being constructed on a land belonging to Ports Authority.
The land adjoining to the project site is also owned by SLPA, he disclosed, adding that they will take appropriate action relating to these issues and the Minister of Ports and Aviation Arjuna Ranatunga will bring it to the notice of the President and the Prime Minister soon.