PARLIAMENT

Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi,—To ask the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs,— (1)

(a) Is he aware that —

(i) the 76-acre land which had belonged to Mr. Don Simon Wijewickrama Samarakoon named ‘Regidale Estate’ located in Kahapola remained under the Public Trustee;

(ii) a replica of the Shakya Kingdom was constructed in a portion of the land concerned under the instructions of the then Prime Minister  and declared open by the then President on 11.05.2017; and

(iii) its inauguration plaque depicts the caption “A UNIQUE GIFT TO BUDDHIST PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD”?

(b) Will he inform this House of the —

(i) total amount of money spent on the aforementioned construction; and

(ii) present status of the construction?

(c) If not, why?