A televised political debate took an unexpected turn last night when accusations of land grabbing were exchanged between government and opposition members, casting a fresh shadow over the conduct of elected officials.
During the programme which featured National People’s Power (NPP) MPs Ruwan Mapalagama and Nishantha Samaraweera alongside Mahesh Senanayake of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), allegations emerged concerning the unauthorised acquisition of public land by sitting MPs from both sides of the aisle.
NPP MPs Mapalagama and Samaraweera opened the discussion by levelling allegations against SJB MP Chamindrani Kiriella, claiming she had illegally acquired land in the environmentally sensitive Hanthana region.
Senanayake countered with claims that a ruling party MP had similarly taken possession of thirteen acres from the Land Reforms Commission (LRC) in the Deltota area.
Pressed by his counterparts to name the individual involved, Senanayake tersely replied, “Ask Jagath Manuwarna,” a remark that has since stirred speculation in political circles.
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