No new housing projects initiated during Patali’s tenure: Gammanpila

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka had not inaugurated any housing projects during his tenure as the Megapolis Minister, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila said.   

Addressing a news briefing, he said Minister Ranawaka should explain to the country as to how he would create a city free from shanties in 2024 when he had not even embarked on any housing project.   

“Minister Ranawaka is flattering himself saying that it is during his term of office that the most number of houses has been declared open and people living in 15,000 houses have voluntarily demolished their old homes when constructing new homes.   

“However, there are only 6,724 houses, which have been built during the term of minister Ranawaka despite his remarks that they have constructed 15,000 homes during the last four years for the residents in Colombo,” the MP said.   

He pointed out that Minister Ranawaka had not constructed a single house for the shanty dwellers living in Colombo under the Urban Regeneration Project.   

“There are only 2,724 houses, which are being built under the Urban Regeneration Project. It is a question as to how he will create the Colombo city free from shanties in 2024,” the MP said.   

He added that Minister Ranawaka had not even been able to complete the housing projects, which were started during their government.   

Minister Ranawaka is flattering himself saying that it is during his term of office that the most number of houses has been declared open