The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has recommended that matters relating to land misuse, financial irregularities, and administrative deficiencies at the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) be referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for formal investigation.
The issue was taken up when COPE met recently under the chairmanship of MP Nishantha Samaraweera to examine Auditor General’s Reports for 2022 and 2023 and review the NHDA’s current performance.
Discussions centered on the leasing of valuable NHDA‑owned lands at Maligawatta, Elvitigala Mawatha, and Rangirigama, Dambulla to external parties at nominal values without Cabinet approval, the use of such lands for purposes contrary to agreements, and the failure to safeguard assets.
COPE observed that many transactions were carried out in violation of NHDA’s objectives and legal provisions. The Committee directed that comprehensive reports on the irregularities be sent to the CID and CIABOC for legal action.
Officials were also instructed to expedite internal audits, identify responsible officers, and initiate disciplinary measures.
COPE further recommended strengthening asset management and internal control systems to prevent future irregularities. (Newswire)