Ghost Ownership? Gotabaya Says ‘Not Mine’ as CID Digs Deeper

COLOMBO (News 1st); A luxury residence constructed illegally within the Manik Ganga Reservation in Kataragama ,and recently taken over by the Department of Irrigation has been valued at over Rs. 40 million.

The property became the subject of public controversy after allegations surfaced linking it to a person named Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

However, following the takeover of the residence by the Department of Irrigation, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa issued a public statement denying any ownership or connection to the property.

What’s the Controversy Surrounding the Kataragama Residence?

A luxury residence has been illegally constructed on Depot Road, Kataragama, within the Manik Ganga Reserve, a protected area.

Its current estimated value exceeds Rs. 40 million.

While the CID investigation continues, the Department of Irrigation officially took over the property on the 13th of this month.

This controversial house first came to public attention in January 2010, through a news report that questioned the ownership based on the name listed on water and electricity bills.

However, a formal investigation only began in 2015.

Following the 2019 change in government, the inquiry was shelved.

On October 22, 2024, the CID received a fresh complaint, reigniting the probe.

After conducting investigations, CID officers submitted a B-report to the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court on November 5 last year.

Statements have now been recorded from:

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Neville Wanniarachchi, Security Officer to Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of the former President

Additionally, former Deputy Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board L.A. Wimalaratne and former Chairman of the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha Ashoka Wickramasinghe were arrested and later released on bail.

The case is scheduled to be heard again on November 24.

What Did the CID Investigation Reveal?

The house was constructed between 2006 and 2012, confirmed through Google Earth imagery.

It has been assigned Assessment Number 16, and in 2023, a payment of Rs. 32,953 was made under the name R.A.D.N. Ranasinghe.

Applications for water and electricity connections were submitted under the name Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Former Chairman Ashoka Wickramasinghe issued letters in support of these applications.

The Grama Niladhari and Divisional Secretary were also approached, with Ashoka certifying the requests.

However, the then Grama Niladhari of Detagamuwa 146B opposed the construction and filed a complaint with the Kataragama Police.

No substantial investigation occurred until 2024.

Former Sri Lanka Transport Board Deputy Chairman Wimalaratne is alleged to have facilitated the construction and deployed Transport Board staff for the project.

After its completion in 2012, various individuals occupied the house.

From 2022 to December 2024, a retired army officer—who served as a security officer to Yoshitha Rajapaksa—was paid monthly to oversee the property.

Once the CID investigation began, the keys to the house were handed over to the Chief Incumbent of Kirivehera Temple, and the previous occupants vacated.

The Chief Incumbent has formally stated that he holds no ownership and has handed the keys over to the CID.

What Does Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Say?

He has consistently denied any ownership of the property.

On November 14, he reiterated that he has no connection to the house.

He claims that his name was misused, referencing an electricity application submitted under the name “G. Rajapaksa”, which lacked a proper signature.

What Happens Next?

The case is still ongoing.

It will be heard again at the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court next month.

The CID continues its investigation, and documents—including water and electricity applications—have been sent for forensic handwriting analysis.

This marks the beginning of a scientific investigation.

Additionally, findings have been forwarded to the Attorney General, and the Bribery Commission has been notified to investigate former officials who failed to act during the construction.

The Big Question

Who really owns this luxury house built illegally in the Manik Ganga Reserve?

The answer will emerge through the ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.