Most of the buyers are gem dealers and businessmen from Colombo.
Owned by the state-run Balangoda Plantations, the land was
earmarked for distribution among public servants, with even payments obtained with a promise the land would be distributed through the district secretary.
However, they were given back the money since a court case was pending with regard to the land.
Subsequently, the court ruled that the land could be distributed among public servants.
However, that distribution plan has now changed.
There are rumours that five lots each from the land have been given to minister Thalatha Atukorale and MP A.A. Wijesinghe.
http://www.srilankamirror.com/news/4352-john-seneviratne-sells-govt-land-to-businessmen
