Rajitha Senaratne Trumps Sajith Premadasa, Gets Cabinet Approval For Unsolicited Contract For Brother’s Company
author: COLOMBO TELEGRAPHJanuary 21, 2018
Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne has got Cabinet approval to have the Housing Ministry entertain an unsolicited proposal for the re-development of Torrington Flats on Thimbirigasyaya Road by a company in which his younger brother, Maheel, is a Director, the Sunday Times reports.Senaratne’s proposal effectively overrides one submitted to Cabinet by the Housing Ministry to re-develop the present site of the Torrington Flats ‘as a high-yield urban residential site,’ where Minister Sajith Premadasa sought permission to designate the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) as the implementation agency,’ the report adds.
Senaratne’s request had been submitted earlier this month, apparently. The Cabinet, although noting that the prospective investor, Sky Mount Holdings (Pvt) Ltd., had submitted an unsolicited proposal, nevertheless gave the green light for the Housing Ministry to verify feasibility.
Sunday Times further reveals that the bidder has already moved on the project, claiming to have received individuals consent letters from the owners to launch the ‘mixed development project,’ approval for which has been sought by the Board of Investment (BoI).
This is not the first time that Rajitha Senaratne has favored his younger brother. While he was the Minister of Fisheries, Senaratne appointed Maheel as the Chairman, Ceylon Fisheries Corporation.
