Sri Lanka’s Millennium Housing eyes legal action over land break-in

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka listed real estate firm, Millennium Housing Developers, said it was currently getting legal advice and engaging with state authorities to safeguard a property and protect shareholder interests after an unauthorised entry last week.

The developer said its wholly owned subsidiary, Millennium Housing Limited, is the registered and lawful owner of Land Lot No. 23 depicted in Plan No. 6534 dated 04 September 2007, prepared by D. Prasad Wimalasena, Licensed Surveyor, pursuant to Deed No.660 registered on 13 September 2013, situated at No. 23, Kaduwela Road, Oruwala, Athurugiriya.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka had asked for the land for a proposed establishment of a bus station for the Metro Bus Service, through letters on 20 August 2026 and 21 September 2026, the company said.

“The Company has received correspondence from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (“BOI”) dated 20 August 2026 and 21 September 2026 regarding a request made in connection with the proposed establishment of a bus station for the Metro Bus Service on the said property.”

“The Company has not consented to the release, occupation, acquisition or use of the said property for the proposed project.”

“The property has been retained by MHL as an asset of the Company and is earmarked for a future development project in accordance with the Company’s business plans.”

On September 27, an unauthorised entry was made onto the said property, and portions of the boundary fencing and gates were removed/dismantled, allegedly in connection with the proposed establishment of a bus station.

Kaduwela Mayor Ranjan Jayalal and National People’s Power Parliamentarian Asitha Niroshana have been questioned by the Police over the incident, Private TV channel Ada Derana reported.

Millennium Housing Developers said it has not authorised or consented to any person entering the property, removing its boundary structures or commencing any work on the land.

Following the incident, the company said it had made an initial complaint to the Athurugiriya Police Station and is taking appropriate legal and administrative steps to protect the Company’s and MHL’s rights and interests in the property.

“The Company wishes to place on record that MHL remains the lawful owner of the said property and has not transferred, surrendered or otherwise consented to the release or occupation of the land for the proposed project.

“Any proposed acquisition, occupation or use of privately owned land must be undertaken through the appropriate legal and statutory process, while respecting the Company’s proprietary rights and the interests of its shareholders.

“The Company is currently obtaining legal advice and engaging with the relevant authorities concerning this matter. The Company will continue to take all appropriate steps to safeguard the property and the interests of the Company and its shareholders.” (Colombo/Oct5/2026)