Wednesday Mar 23, 2011
Two islands near Kalpitiya have been leased out at Rs. 18 million to two foreign companies for investment in tourism for 30 years, Parliament was informed today.

Of them, Vellai Island has been given on lease at Rs. 3.7 million to be developed as a joint investment between Sri Lanka and Maldives and Switzerland, and Inpativu Island at Rs. 14 million to an Indian company named Cube Leisure Property Private Ltd. The joint venture with Maldives and Switzerland is called Sun Resort Investment Lanka Private Ltd.

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane told the House in response to a question by UNP MP Gamini Jayawickrama Perera. The Deputy Minister said the lease agreements were revised every five years.

Raising a supplementary question, Mr. Perera asked whether the security aspect had been taken into account in leasing out these islands.  Mr. Abeywardane replied that all such aspects had been considered in striking these deals based on recommendations by the Attorney General.

Also, he tabled a copy of the agreement signed in connection with these projects.  These are the islands used by fishermen for their activities. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)

Source: daily mirror