The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has made a breakthrough in its investigations on illegal takeover of lands belonging mainly to those who have migrated.
The investigations were launched on a directive by Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa following complaints that land mainly belonging to people who had gone abroad had been illegally taken over using forged deeds and documents.
More than 15 complaints have been received from Sri Lankan Tamils who had left the country during the three-decade civil war.
The CID has arrested a Kirulapone businessman identified as Kingsley Costa who had allegedly acquired a 72-acre coconut land in Dompe by producing forged documents and threatening the watcher. The land was later sold for Rs. 80 million.
The owner then complained to the Defence Ministry.
From the money obtained by selling lands acquired forcibly or through illegal means, the suspect has built a 100-room hotel in Kataragama and owns three tea-estates with factories.
This suspect and eight others who allegedly took over lands of those who have gone abroad were produced in court and remanded till January 4.
The people have been requested to contact the CID if their properties have been illegally acquired. |
E-mail
